Congressman Carter Tours Louisiana to Hear Concerns from Farmers, Ranchers, Researchers, and the Agricultural Industry
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Monday, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) embarked on an Agriculture Listening Tour across Louisiana to meet with local farmers, producers, researchers, and other local agricultural leaders to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities facing the state and nation’s agricultural industry.
The tour included stops at the Agriaquaculture Center of Excellence in Harvey, the ADM Grain Terminal in Destrehan, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation office in St. Charles Parish, River Road Farm in Vacherie, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office in Donaldsonville, and the Southern University Agricultural Research and ExtensionCenter.
“I had the honor of conducting an agricultural listening tour across Louisiana, meeting with farmers, ranchers, agricultural stakeholders, and federal, state, and local agency representatives. From row crops to livestock, sugarcane to seafood, the message was unified and urgent: Louisiana agriculture needs action—not delay,” said Rep. Carter.
“In one special moment, I even had the chance to plant a few rows of sweet potatoes—a small but meaningful reminder of the hard work, precision, and care that goes into feeding our nation. It grounded the day’s discussions in something personal, tangible, and humbling.
“Here’s what I heard across the tour:
A fully funded Farm Bill is essential to provide certainty for producers, processors, and rural communities.
FSA—the Farm Service Agency—and USDA grant programs are critical tools that help farmers access credit, recover from disasters, and invest in their operations.
NRCS—the Natural Resources Conservation Service—and our Soil and Water Conservation Districts are indispensable partners in protecting Louisiana’s soil health, water quality, and long-term sustainability.
And proposed tariffs threaten Louisiana’s access to export markets, putting our agricultural economy at serious risk.
“These aren’t just numbers in a budget. These are working families—hardworking Louisianans—who rise before sunrise, feed the world, and still need to feed their own families.
“I will continue fighting in Congress to protect the resources that our farmers depend on. These programs don’t just sustain agriculture—they sustain America.”
"Congressman Carter meeting farmers and ranchers where they are is what grassroots leadership is all about. A Farm Bill is way past due, and his support to come here and see those impacts on his home turf is much appreciated. As he heard from our parish leaders - farmers aren’t gathering to push R or D. They gathered with him looking for solutions to trade, conservation, and feeding the world. Rep. Carter's commitment to prioritizing his farming constituents and passing a Farm Bill this year furthers his track record as an invaluable Congressional ally," said Richard Fontenot, Louisiana Farm Bureau President.
View photos from the Agriculture Listening Tour here.
Background:
Agriculture is a significant economic driver in Louisiana, contributing nearly $13 billion annually through farming, forestry, and related industries, according to the LSU AgCenter's 2023 report. Key commodities like sugarcane, soybeans, rice, crawfish, poultry, and timber support tens of thousands of jobs and sustain rural communities across the state. The industry also benefits from Louisiana’s strategic export position, with major ports facilitating the shipment of agricultural goods. Beyond farming, agriculture fuels related sectors like processing, equipment supply, and bioenergy, making it vital to local and statewide economies.
The Trump Administration recently paused funding for many critical USDA programs, including funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Natural Resource Conservation Service programs and support staff in Louisiana. Many of these programs provide hands-on technical support and guidance to help farmers implement conservation practices that protect and enhance our soil, water, and natural resources.
Louisiana farmers were expected to receive roughly $363 million from FY25 through FY31 through various USDA programs that would improve efficiency through projects that would improve water quality and retention, reduce soil runoff, and maintain soil health.
In March 2025, the Trump admin canceled a $600,000 research grant awarded to the Southern University Agricultural Center. The grant aimed to develop sustainable feminine hygiene products using natural fibers like regenerative cotton, wool, and hemp, benefiting women and girls in Louisiana.
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