An international sugar conference was held in Traverse City today (Tuesday) to address some of the political hardships sugar farmers have been facing.
Organizers say the Sweetener Symposium is intended to ensure farmers that work is being done to help them get back on track after a tough year.
Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee gave the keynote address saying sugar farmers in the state need help.
“While they may have political views, some of which we probably don’t share, they want to see a congress and a U.S. government that actually works that can get things done; and they often are the ones who are put in jeopardy because of the failure of congress to act.”
Kildee said a farm bill that’s currently stalled in congress, and the ongoing trade war are challenges for the nation’s sugar farmers.
He said roughly 450 people from around the country attended the conference.