Louisiana farm groups support passage of Farm Bill

A coalition of Louisiana’s largest agricultural groups representing more than 150,000 Louisiana residents today sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation urging them to pass The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 now that it has advanced out of the House Agriculture Committee.

Louisiana Farm Bureau, American Sugar Cane League, Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association, Louisiana Forestry Association, Louisiana Rice Producers Group and Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association are the organizations that signed the letter.

“The Farm Bill passed out of the House Ag Committee contains provisions that will be good for Louisiana’s farmers and ranchers,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper “Farming is a risky business. Changes in weather and markets can make or break any year. Input costs have risen with inflation and the margins by which our farmers and ranchers make a living are razor thin. The Farm Bill passed out of the House Ag Committee would provide the stability that would ensure Louisiana’s farmers could secure crop loans and keep farming year after year. I urge our delegation to come together and get a Farm Bill passed this year.”

Bryan Simon, a farmer from Maurice, La. and president of the American Sugar Cane League and echoed that sentiment.

“Farmers everywhere, including Louisiana’s sugarcane farmers, want to see a new Farm Bill in place as soon as possible,” Simon said. “Another Farm Bill extension creates uncertainty that affects the availability of credit to sustain farming operations through the seasons. A new Farm Bill that reauthorizes and improves the farm safety net provides the certainty farmers and bankers need when financing each year’s operations.”

“Speaker Johnson knows the issues farmers face every day,” said St. Landry Parish farmer Lance Hebert. “I want him to bring the Farm Bill to the floor and get it passed. Passage of a bipartisan Farm Bill would be a win for farmers and a win for Congress.”

“Another extension of the current Farm Bill just won’t work,” said Terrebonne Parish farmer Tom Ellender. “There are farmers who are struggling under the current provisions to get the crop loans they need to keep farming. Majority Leader Scalise is my congressman and I know he will work with his colleagues to get a Farm Bill passed this year; one that is good for Louisiana’s farmers and ranchers.”

“Input costs are constantly rising, and we need an updated Farm Bill in place,” Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers committee chair Robert Duncan said. “Technology is changing rapidly, and the House Ag Committee recognized the need for Farm Bill improvement and renewal.”