Clewiston, FL – The people of U.S. Sugar are proud to announce that Judy Clayton Sanchez, Senior Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, has been re-appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC) in Sweeteners and Sweetener Products by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Sanchez’s term expires in 2025.
“Now perhaps more than ever, having an abundant, local and sustainable source of affordable, American-grown food crops is of critical importance as our nation continues to deal with the global pandemic,” said U.S. Sugar President and CEO Robert H. Buker, Jr. “We are proud to have Ms. Sanchez continue to advocate for American sugarcane farmers on this important advisory committee.”
Throughout her career, Sanchez has been a tireless advocate for our nation’s zero-cost sugar policy as well as strong and fair trade agreements governing sugar with our foreign, oft-subsidized competitors. Sanchez has established herself as an industry leader, helping to educate elected officials and their staff during local farm tours, and also in Tallahassee and Washington. This appointment will allow Sanchez the opportunity to continue advocating for the more than 12,500 people employed by sugarcane harvesting and processing in Florida. The sugar industry also provides for more than $3.2 billion in annual economic activity throughout Florida.
“Growing up and raising a family in a farming community, I know firsthand the importance of preserving this way of life for future generations of American farmers and the American families who depend upon us for a safe and reliable food supply,” Sanchez said. “I look forward to continuing to serve among this prestigious group of agricultural leaders and representing our local farmers and rural Glades communities.”
The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives from across the nation’s agricultural community who provide advice to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy matters including the operation of existing trade agreements and the negotiation of new agreements. Members of the six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs) provide technical advice and guidance from the perspective of their specific product sectors.
About U.S. Sugar
U.S. Sugar is a farming company that grows sugarcane, citrus, sweet corn and other winter and spring vegetables in South Florida. The company was founded in 1931 by a visionary leader who hailed from a long line of farmers. Since the beginning, the company’s success has been rooted in traditional farming values and respect for the land. Today, the company provides more than 2,500 good-paying American jobs, and its local farmers provide nearly 10 percent of all sugar produced in the United States, up to 150 million glasses per year of premium Florida orange juice and nearly half of Florida’s sweet corn crop.