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Sugar beet firm donates to Louisiana flood relief

American Crystal donates to Louisiana flood relief

The American Crystal Sugar Company donated $5,000 to the Kiwanis Club of New Iberia Foundation to benefit Louisiana flood recovery efforts, said Jim Simon, manager of the Louisiana-based American Sugar Cane League.

American Crystal, located in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota, is the largest sugar beet processor in the country. It is a grower-owned co-operative comprised of 2,800 sugar beet farmers.

Simon said that the growers and employees of American Crystal know all too well how devastating flooding can be as they have experienced substantial flooding events previously in the Red River Valley.

"American Crystal recognizes their kinship with Louisiana’s sugarcane industry and wanted to help our state in its recovery from the August 2016 flood,” Simon said. "We are grateful to American Crystal for their generous gift. Their genuine concern is indicative of just how tightly knit America’s sugar farmers are. Whether it’s sugarcane farmers from the south or beet farmers in the north, we are always concerned when there is a life-changing event in our communities.”

The Kiwanis Club of New Iberia Foundation provides educational support in the Iberia Parish area and helps overcome hardships in the community.

Simon presented the check to Kiwanis club members Katherine Segura and Andy Soileau. Soileau is president of the Kiwanis Club of New Iberia Foundation. Segura is the matriarch of the large Segura sugarcane farming family based in New Iberia.

"Adversity comes in so many ways, not only to farming families, but to all families,” Segura said. "It’s wonderful that the sugar beet farming families represented by American Crystal have made this donation to help ease the transition from disaster to recovery in Louisiana.”

PHOTO CUTLINE: Presenting the check on behalf of American Crystal is Jim Simon, manager of the American Sugar Cane League to Kiwanis club members Katherine Segura and Andy Soileau. Soileau is president of the Kiwanis Club of New Iberia Foundation. Segura is the matriarch of the large Segura sugarcane farming family based in New Iberia. Photo by Sam Irwin.

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