(NAFB.com) – The bipartisan, bicameral leaders of the congressional Agriculture Committees reiterated their support for U.S. sugar policy during the International Sweetener Symposium. “Sugar is so important,” says House Ag Committee Ranking Member David Scott. “We can do without a lot of things, but the one thing we cannot do without is sugar.” The American Sugar Alliance, which sponsors the symposium, says these folks are the primary architects of the next farm bill. “The message I heard loud and clear is that our farmers are struggling, and the safety net is inadequate,” says House Ag Chair GT Thompson. “Between low commodity prices and high input costs, the margin squeeze is getting more serious as the days go by.” Thompson also says his farm bill proposal delivers critical policy improvements for domestic growers and processors. “Sugar is sweet, but your role in the American economy is sweeter,” said Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow.