Sweetening the Economy
Sugar beets are a major crop in eastern and south-central Idaho, processed into refined sugar by regional cooperatives.
- Growing Regions: Upper Snake River Valley, Mini-Cassia area, Magic Valley.
- Processing: Amalgamated Sugar Company operates facilities in Nampa, Twin Falls, and Paul, Idaho.
- Cooperative Model: Many Idaho beet growers are members of Amalgamated Sugar, a grower-owned cooperative.
- Key Challenges: Sugar policy and trade, water allocation, pest management, harvest-season labor.