Economics of Sugarbeet Marketing

Preface : This publication presents the results of the second study of sugarbeet marketing made by the Department of Agriculture following the recommendation of the Sugar Research and Marketing Advisory Committee in February 1955. The first study, "Marketing Sugar Beets," AMS-137, was published in November 1956. Information for the study was obtained from a variety of sources, including interviews with sugarbeet processors and growers, and with representatives of growers' associations. Sample grower-processor contracts and various secondary sources were studied. This report describes and evaluates several ways in which the economic relationship that now exists between sugarbeet growers and processors might be changed in an effort to improve marketing efficiency. The alternatives were developed from discussions with industry representatives, both growers and processors, and from information in the Department concerning similar arrangements used in processing other agricultural products. Each of the alternatives was found to have some disadvantages