Central Louisiana News

Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) has introduced the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2023, a proposed bill aimed at revising two programs within the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. The bill, known as H.R. 6717, focuses on the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), providing assistance to farmers and owners of nonindustrial forest land who have been impacted by natural disasters.

Under the proposed legislation, farmers and landowners will have the option to receive advance emergency payments before carrying out emergency measures. This will allow them to receive up to 75% of the upfront cost of the measures they plan to take in the future. The bill expands the eligibility for payments to include damage caused by man-made fires when the damage was spread due to natural causes, as well as wildfires caused by the federal government. It also includes payments for damage caused by hurricanes, a type of natural disaster that heavily impacts the state of Louisiana.

Congresswoman Letlow expressed her commitment to addressing the issue of natural disasters that affect her constituents. She stated, "Natural disasters like forest fires and hurricanes wreak havoc on farmers and producers, and the effects are lasting. Having the option to receive assistance before they begin carrying out emergency measures gives them a jump start on minimizing the damage."

Jim Harper, the President of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, praised Congresswoman Letlow for her efforts in proposing common-sense legislation that supports Louisiana agriculture during times of crisis. He said, "Farmers and foresters need help right when disaster strikes, not years afterward. The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act and The Drought Assistance Improvement Act are proof that Congresswoman Letlow listens to her constituents and takes action."

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Mike Strain, also commended Congresswoman Letlow for sponsoring the bill. He stated, "I thank Congresswoman Letlow for sponsoring this important legislation that will give producers the ability to access emergency assistance upfront to begin the recovery process more quickly following a natural disaster."

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2023 is a companion bill originally led by Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska.

This legislation aims to provide timely and necessary support to farmers and landowners who have been affected by natural disasters. By offering advance emergency payments, it ensures that assistance reaches those in need quickly and efficiently. With these proposed improvements to the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, Congresswoman Letlow is demonstrating her commitment to the well-being and resilience of Louisiana's agriculture industry in the face of adversity.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-julia-letlow-la-05-introduces-emergency-conservation-program