Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, seeking the Republican nomination for president, “is parting ways with the [sugar] industry and calling for an end to government subsidies that have boosted company profits for decades,” reports the Washington Post.
The move, “confirmed this week by campaign aides, comes as he retools his operation to focus on early-voting states, including Iowa, where the corn industry is preparing to begin an ad campaign attacking the subsidy.” Bush spokeswoman Kristy Campbell told the Post that Bush favors a phase-out of the sugar program and “believes we should constantly be moving to reduce government interference and create a level playing field for all commodities on the world market.”
The sugar program limits imports so that U.S. growers are assured of a minimum price. The corn-sweetener industry and the sugar industry are increasingly at odds as they scuffle for sales to foodmakers.