Sugar Farming and Production
Sugar cane, the Company’s principal business, is
the second leading contributor to Florida’s
agricultural economy. U.S.
Sugar’s crop accounts for about 10 percent of all the sugar
produced in America.
Planted and harvested between October and March
Sugar cane is farmed according to strict environmental
standards
Mechanical harvesters cut the mature cane
The cane is transported to the mills on the Company’s
internal railroads
Most sugar – 75 percent – is used in processed
foods, including cakes, candies, cereals, ice cream, and other
foods
About 25 percent of sugar is packaged for grocers’ shelves
Americans can buy sugar for 22% less than consumers in
virtually most developed countries in the world
Sugar Mills
The Company operates one of the most environmentally-advanced
and energy-efficient sugar processing
mills in the world
Capacity to grind up to 40,000 tons of sugar cane each
day during harvest season
No water or waste is allowed to leave the mill property
The mill produces its own fuel source by burning bagasse,
fibrous pulp that remains after sugar cane is processed
Highly-efficient – producing surplus power that can supply
electric grid
Molasses, used as cattle feed, is an important by-product
of milling
