US Sugar Corporation refinery

The refinery is owned by US Sugar Corporation, a privately owned business that owns over 187,000 acres of farm land. US Sugar is the largest producer of sugar cane in the United States producing over 700,000 tons per year.

On June 24, 2008, Florida Governor, Charlie Crist announced the state was to buy 187,000 acres and all the manufacturing and production facilities of US Sugar for $1.7 billion to help in restoration of the Everglades. In November 2008 the plan was revised to $1.34 billion and the plan allowed for the sugar mill in Clewiston to remain open for another decade.