Stewardship

Protection of Florida’s unique environment and good stewardship of the lands that we farm are top priorities for U.S. Sugar. The land, after all, is the principal asset of an agricultural company. Everything done on it must be compatible with its continued productivity. Sugar cane, for example, because it requires few chemicals and only small amounts of fertilizers for successful cultivation, is an ideal crop of the Company’s South Florida farms. Agricultural experts consider it one of the most environmentally friendly farm crops in the world.

Because of its concern for the environment, U.S. Sugar became the leader in efforts to resolve years of litigation over restoration of the Florida Everglades. The Company supported the 1994 Everglades Forever Act, legislation that imposed on farmers the toughest water quality regulations of any farmers in America. U.S. Sugar, along with other sugar farmers, agreed to be taxed more than $300 million over 20 years to pay the entire cost of cleaning the water leaving their farms. They adopted a strict on-farm water quality control program utilizing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure the long-range health of Florida’s eco-system.

U.S. Sugar supported a plan to replumb the water flow and delivery system in South Florida, called the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The Company also supported the creation of 60 square miles of filtration marshes on farmland. Water leaving these marshes and entering the Everglades will be cleaner than rainwater.

The Company also supported 2003 state legislation, which ensures a continuation of funding and implementation of the 1994 Everglades Forever Act. In addition, the Company uses zero-discharge waste water management programs at its sugar mills and has established on-farm water conservation procedures. As a result of these efforts, thousands of wading birds and other native South Floirida species make their homes on U.S. Sugar land. Today, the American bald eagle and other rare migratory species find safe and hospitable habitats in the Company’s productive farming lands.