New Orleans, La. (RFD News) — Farmers, ranchers and agricultural leaders from across Louisiana gathered for the 104th Annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention to discuss the issues and policies affecting the agriculture industry.
Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot said members spent time discussing everything from the Farm Bill to labor reform.
Fontenot highlighted the CRAW Act, legislation introduced by Louisiana’s congressional delegation that would reclassify crawfish-processing work as agricultural labor under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
“We have the CRAW Act that’s been released by our congressional leadership, and they see the importance of taking some of those labor constraints that we have on the processing side and our seafood industry and bringing them into an H-2A program and to what we need in terms of processing.”
The convention also focused on investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders through programs such as the Talk Meet competition, in which students deliver speeches on current agricultural topics.
This year’s winner was 18-year-old Anna Hebert, who spoke about how farmers can balance environmental stewardship with financial success.
Hebert said she developed a passion for agriculture after joining her local FFA chapter as a freshman.
“From FFA, I was able to explore all aspects of agricultural life and got so invested that I became so passionate about the land we live on, and it’s helped me grow into the person I am.”
Farm Bureau leaders say the annual convention provides an opportunity for members to discuss industry challenges and help shape the organization’s priorities for the future.
