Congressman Jeff Landry Fights For St. Mary Parish Farm Services Agency

3rd District Congressman Jeff Landry today requested U.S. Department of Agriculture  Secretary Tom Vilsack to reconsider the proposed closure of the St. Mary Parish Farm Services Agency facility. In a letter to Vilsack he highlighted Louisiana’s unique geography and how the USDA’s St. Mary proposal does not meet their stated criteria for office closures.

In his letter Landry said to Secretary Vilsack  “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, a former cane field worker and small business owner, says he  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. I hope my letter will persuade the USDA to continue their services in Franklin,” said Landry.

Landry also noted that Acadiana producers support the closure of the Lafayette Farm Services Agency  to allow the St. Mary Parish FSA to get the support structure needed to adequately help them.