Bakers and other sweet goods producers blame the “unprecedented” sugar shortage on import quotas.

Bakers and other sweet goods producers blame the “unprecedented” sugar shortage on import quotas.

To alleviate the issue, they are asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture Sec’y. Thomas Vilsack to increase those quotas immediately.

“The shortage does not have to happen,” says the group, led by the American Bakers Association and Grocery Manufacturers Association. “The only reason markets are forecast to be so tight is the restrictive U.S. policy on sugar imports."

According to the USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand estimates, the United States will end the next fiscal year with less than 13 days worth of sugar on hand unless the imports are raised, the letter noted.

“Without a quota increase, consumers will pay higher prices, food manufacturing jobs will be at risk and trading patterns will be distorted,” the letter said.

In addition to ABA and GMA, those signing the letter included Blommer Chocolate, ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Gonnella Frozen Products, Hershey Co., Independent Bakers Association, Kraft Foods, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp., Mars, Nestle USA, Pepperidge Farm, Sara Lee and a number of other associations and groups.