Central Louisiana News

At the start of the 119th Congress, Congresswoman Julia Letlow introduced two legislative proposals aimed at enhancing disaster assistance for livestock and crawfish producers. These bills also aim to provide greater flexibility for farmers with soybean crops insured by federal programs.

The first proposal, known as the Drought Assistance Improvement Act, seeks to address deficiencies in current relief programs for agricultural producers affected by severe weather. It proposes modifications to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), allowing one monthly payment when a Parish experiences four consecutive weeks of a Severe Drought (D2) rating and two payments for eight consecutive weeks. The bill also includes coverage for crawfish under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) in cases of adverse weather or drought. Additionally, it mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture set documentation standards regarding decreased crawfish production due to drought conditions.

"Congress should work to reform emergency assistance programs before disaster strikes," stated Congresswoman Julia Letlow. "I’m proud to champion Louisiana’s agriculture industry by protecting the livelihood of our farmers when droughts or other severe weather impact their operations."

The second piece of legislation, titled the Quality Loss Adjustment Improvement for Farmers Act, aims to enhance federal crop insurance policies. It calls on the Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency to create a regional discount factor specifically for soybean crops during extreme weather events.

“Sudden crop losses due to severe weather have a heavy impact on the farmers at the heart of our nation’s food supply,” Letlow added. “By proposing much-needed flexibility and more specialized support to federal crop insurance programs, I’m fighting to ensure Louisiana farmers have the support they need when disaster strikes.”

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot expressed gratitude towards Congresswoman Letlow's efforts: “When disasters strike, Louisiana farmers and ranchers need assistance as soon as possible,” he said. “We’re thankful that Congresswoman Julia Letlow has not forgotten about protecting agriculture in the 119th Congress and is again filing the Drought Assistance Improvement Act to provide help when needed, not years down the road."