Ok so I went shopping in Atlanta at the Dekab Farmers Market--- which was amazing.  I decided to buy some sugarcane for the kids so they could see where sugar comes from.  I cut it in half to root some in water and the other half I gave to them to try.  Everyone here has the dark plague so I was waiting for them to get better to actually teach them the lesson on sugarcane.  I sit down to research and review where sugar comes from thinking this simple lesson will be on Geography, history and a little science.  HOLY COW!!!  Sugar is interesting!!  I know, hold your panties I will give you a little summary.  It is even tied to today economy as a gas substitute......
First a little Science.  Sugarcane is a member of the grass family. (I would of guessed bamboo)  it is one of the most efficient  photosynthesizers in the plant kingdom, able to convert up to 2 percent of incident solar energy into biomass. The plant is grown from cuttings not often seeds.  It can be harvested up to 10 times before needing to be replaced.  Half of the world's sugar is still harvested by hand!
Sugarcane is used in making sugar, molasses, rum, soda and drum roll... ethanol.  So how come we aren't growing more cane and leave the corn for people and animals?  Sounds like a better resource.  The left over fiber can be used in burning as fuel and made into mats and baskets.  A totally useful plant!
Sugarcane was brought to the Americas by the Spaniards.  Brazil is the largest producer followed by India and no surprises China.  During Colonial times France actually traded it's portion of Canada to Britain for the islands of St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, and Martinique after the 7 year war to obtain them for sugar production.
For more info click here
I would not advise you reading how our refined sugar is made.  For those of you who like your food simple it will make you squirm.
Ok off to teach my lesson.