1.   Both companies give heavily to political campaigns on all levels and to both major parties, having a vital interest in maintaining federal support programs for sugar prices.

2.   A farm subsidy program, in the form of import quotas that Congress narrowly refused to abolish this year, props up sugar prices for consumers.

3.   A prolonged drought has raised sugar prices in the international market, boosting Balbos bottom line for now.

4.   But until last year, sugar prices remained fairly steady.

5.   Cotton, cocoa and sugar prices rose.

6.   Critics, however, say the system inflates sugar prices, costing consumers millions of dollars a year.

7.   Despite low sugar prices, agriculture experts believe foreign and domestic companies will buy at least the mills that are in the best shape.

8.   Even so, sugar prices should eventually move lower because overall production is expected to exceed consumption this year.

9.   High sugar prices make it possible for ADM to sell a high-cost sugar substitute made from corn.

10.   In February, Torricelli voted against a bill that would have phased out guaranteed sugar prices.