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Growers, county officials scramble after Spreckels Sugar closure; economist estimates $250 million annual local loss
Summary
Growers, trucking firms and county officials urged federal help after Spreckels Sugar Company announced closure plans. An economist told the Imperial County Board of Supervisors the combined farm and processing loss could total about $250 million a year and more than 700 jobs.
Shelby Trim, executive director of the California Beet Growers Association, told the Imperial County Board of Supervisors on May 13 that the surprise announcement that Spreckels Sugar Company will close its California operations threatens the county’s beet industry and related businesses.
“This is going to have a huge, you know, negative adverse impact on this community,” said a grower who spoke at the meeting, describing immediate steps he is taking—downsizing leases and staff—to stay afloat. Shelby Trim said growers are exploring options including selling the plant or finding a different use for the facility, and “we are exploring every avenue possible.”
Why it matters: Sugar beet growing in Imperial County supports farm labor, harvest contractors, truckers, equipment and input vendors, and the local processing plant that turns beets into refined sugar. Michael Bracken, an economist retained by county staff, told the board a five-year average…
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