Congresswoman Julia Letlow | Congresswoman Julia Letlow Official website
Congresswoman Julia Letlow | Congresswoman Julia Letlow Official website
Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide much-needed drought relief assistance to farmers and producers in Louisiana. In a letter addressed to USDA Secretary Vilsack, Letlow emphasized the urgency of the situation and the devastating impact of the record drought and extreme weather conditions experienced by the state.
The agriculture sector in Louisiana suffered an estimated loss of $1.37 billion in 2023 alone due to the drought. This loss has had a profound effect on farmers and producers in the state, endangering their livelihoods and the overall stability of the agricultural industry.
Representing the largest agriculture district in Louisiana, Letlow has personally heard from farmers and producers about the hardships they face as a result of the drought. In her letter, she stressed the importance of providing timely assistance to those affected by extreme weather conditions.
The Congresswoman highlighted concerns about the USDA's Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and its failure to adequately address farmers' losses. She pointed out that the program's approach of using tax documents for loss calculations often did not accurately reflect the full extent of the losses incurred by farms due to natural disasters.
Jim Harper, the President of the Louisiana Farm Bureau, expressed support for Letlow's efforts, acknowledging her commitment to listening to the concerns of farmers and ranchers in her district. Harper praised her for taking the initiative to bring their message to Congress and advocate for fair and equitable assistance.
The full letter from Letlow to Secretary Vilsack can be found below.
[Image of the letter]
As the agricultural community in Louisiana continues to grapple with the aftermath of the severe drought, it is crucial for the USDA to take immediate action and provide the necessary support. The aid provided should accurately reflect the losses incurred by farmers and ensure that assistance is distributed fairly and equitably.
Congresswoman Julia Letlow's plea for drought relief assistance highlights the pressing need for assistance in the agriculture sector. It is now up to the USDA to heed this call and prioritize the well-being of farmers and producers in Louisiana.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-julia-letlow-la-05-urges-us-department-agriculture-support
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