Speaking to the American Sugar Alliance’s International Sweetener Symposium Tuesday, Sell said he had taken some heat on the campaign trail for being a lobbyist but had leaned into it. Through the first half of 2026, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 1.21 billion gallons, running 12% ahead of the same period last year. Fanjul was remembered at the American Sugar Alliance’s International Sweetener Symposium in Vail, Colorado, Tuesday. USDA Chief Economist Justin Benavidez addresses the American Sugar Alliance’s International Sweetener Symposium Tuesday. — USDA Chief Economist Justin Benavidez in his address at the American Sugar Alliance’s International Sweetener Symposium Tuesday.