For Earth Day 2016, sugar farmers celebrate history of sustainability, conservation

sugar cane (Large)

As the global community celebrates Earth Day April 22, farmers for America’s largest sugar producer are highlighting their role in safeguarding South Florida land and water resources.

Now in its 46th year, Earth Day is the largest secular observance on the planet, with more than 1 billion people observing a day of eco-friendly engagement and activism.

On Friday, U.S. Sugar joins in the Earth Day festivities by honoring a heritage of nearly 85 years of environmental stewardship.

“U.S. Sugar has been and remains partners in environmental restoration,’’ said Judy Sanchez, U.S. Sugar’s senior director of corporate communications and public affairs. “We don’t just talk about protecting the earth; we do it through science-based investments that will benefit the state for generations to come.’’

Throughout the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), U.S. Sugar and other farmers have employed various soil and water management techniques, ensuring the water leaving farms is cleaner than when it enters.

As a result, industry estimates show that over the past two decades, there has been an average 56 percent reduction in phosphorus flowing south. That number exceeds the 25 percent requirement set by the Everglades Forever Act of 1994. And in 2015, farmers in the EAA reached a milestone — 79 percent overall phosphorus reduction — the highest annual amount achieved to date.

In addition to water conservation, sugar farmers have also pioneered several advances in green energy.

One such example is bagasse, the fibrous byproduct created when the juice is extracted from sugar cane stalks which then is used as a clean-burning biofuel to power various sugar manufacturing facilities. An extensive railroad system also saves on diesel fuel, as well as minimize truck traffic, further reducing fossil fuel emissions.

These activities are among the reasons U.S. Sugar farms enjoy some of the best air quality in Florida.

U.S. Sugar’s 215,000 acres of farmland does double duty as a protected habitat for thousands of Florida birds and wildlife. And as an environmentally friendly product, sugar cane is one of the cleanest crops to produce, requiring a minimum amount of fertilizer and pesticide.

While Earth Day is a reason to celebrate, it is more than a single event; it is a philosophy of sound scientific and agricultural practices.

Joined by local farmers, U.S. Sugar has invested more than $400 million in restoring and preserving the fragile and unique Everglades ecosystem. In 2010, U.S. Sugar transferred 27,000 acres to the South Florida Water Management District, to be set aside for water storage, treatment and wetlands restoration.

“We’re proud of the fact that our farmers celebrate Earth Day every day by employing the best agricultural practices to protect the environment and produce the finest crops,’’ Sanchez said. “Ensuring healthy land, air and water is essential to our ability to produce food and provide jobs in our communities.’’

Peter Schorsch

Peter Schorsch is the President of Extensive Enterprises and is the publisher of some of Florida’s most influential new media websites, including Florida Politics and Sunburn, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. Schorsch is also the publisher of INFLUENCE Magazine. For several years, Peter's blog was ranked by the Washington Post as the best state-based blog in Florida. In addition to his publishing efforts, Peter is a political consultant to several of the state’s largest governmental affairs and public relations firms. Peter lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Ella.


3 comments

  • Daisy Eloise Applewhite

    April 25, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    I’m happy to see this article that applauds sugar cane growers for supporting a healthy ecosystem. So-called environmental groups like Captains for Clean Water give out a load of misinformation and target US Sugar as the culprit in damaging the water, plants and wildlife. But, as stated, sugar farmers employ best practices for the environment that are guided by scientific research, not by baseless opinions.

  • Nancy P

    April 26, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    It’s been proven time and again that Florida sugar farmers are following best practices to preserve Florida.

  • Little Cassie J

    April 28, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    Action talks and BS walks! I’m saying that US Sugar is proving their commitment to improving the environment. Their critics are talking a lot of smack against Sugar for their (the critics’) own personal gain. What have Captains for Clean Water done for the environment lately?

Comments are closed.


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