Battle over US sugar policy ensues

Sugar producers and confectioners are engaged in a heated lobbying battle over US sugar policy, with producers pointing to a pair of USDA reports as evidence of needed support. The American Sugar Alliance says USDA found average January sugar prices continued a downward spiral. The second report, the group says, shows America is building a significant sugar surplus, suggesting continued economic difficulty for producers. The trade group is trying to head off a move in Congress to trim government price supports, an action championed by many manufacturers.