February 2016 Articles

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USDA Selects Louisiana to Participate in 2015 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

FROM the Commissioner
For Louisiana to maintain a leading position, we must surpass existing standards of agricultural and forestry achievement and seek additional opportunities for growth and prosperity. Louisiana's agricultural industries and its forestry, soil and water resources are critical to the advancement of our state and play a central role in our diverse cultural heritage. As your Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, I am committed to working with the farmer and forester, producer and processor and all others to ensure our food is safe, our fiber production among the best and our animals strong and healthy. Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving you. - Mike Strain DVM
USDA Selects Louisiana to Participate in 2015 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program
November 9, 2015, Louisiana is one of 18 states selected to participate in the 2015 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This competitive grant program makes approximately $3 million available to help develop solutions to challenges affecting the specialty crop industry across state boundaries.
The grant is designed to support food safety and research; address plant pests, disease, and crop-specific issues; and increase marketing opportunities for specialty crops which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.
“We appreciate every opportunity to promote specialty crops here in the state of Louisiana. We also look forward to working with other states throughout the U.S. in an effort to support specialty crops and address common issues that affect those specialty crops,” said Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.