Landry’s letter to Vilsack highlights Louisiana’s unique geography and how the USDA’s St. Mary Parish proposal does not meet their stated criteria for office closures.
“Considering all of these factors and the apparent lack of investigation into the closure of the St. Mary FSA office, I urge the USDA for a halt to any efforts to close this office until a full analysis has been completed,” Landry wrote. “In the interim, I respectfully request that the department send all information concerning this closure to my office.”
Landry, a former cane field worker and small business owner, is hopeful his letter will influence Vilsack and prevent unnecessary burdens from being imposed on Louisiana farmers. “Shutting down the St. Mary facility will cost our farmers valuable time and money,” he said. “I hope my letter will persuade the USDA to continue their services in Franklin.”
Landry also noted that Acadiana producers support the closure of the Lafayette FSA to allow the St. Martin Parish FSA to receive the support structure needed to adequately assist them.
A copy of Landry’s letter may be found at:
http://landry.house.gov/sites/landry.house.gov/files/documents/Vilsack%20Letter%20on%20FSA%20Closings.pdf.
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