Louisiana Ag Policy

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The U.S. exported $12.84 billion worth of soybeans to China in 2024. More than 30 cargoes, 2 mil tons in total, set to arrive in China in the coming weeks. Some of these would be subject to 44% tariff.

The USDA has appointed new leadership within the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area to enhance support for farmers and ranchers, and improve the delivery of programs and services.

Rice planting progress in the South.

USA Rice says that planting in Texas and SW Louisiana had been delayed by an average of 10 days as climate conditions hindered planting.

The American Farm Bureau is concerned that the proposals toward promoting US Shipbuilding, a $1 million fee on Chinese operated Vessels and a $1.5 million fee on Chinese built vessels docking at U.S. ports could add $372-930 million in annual shipping costs for ag exporters.

The FDA is delaying food traceability compliance to June 20, 2028. Although the producers are ready to implement rules, the FDA felt that those up the supply chain would not be ready to share accurate data due to cost and technology.

The USDA NASS will reinstate its county crop and cattle estimate reports starting in May after they were canceled last year due to budget constraints.

The FDA plans to cut its funding by up to 60%. Some expect that the cut could mean less funding for state food safety inspection programs.

The USDA has lifted its pause on obligating contracts under Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. The original pause came as the USDA was reviewing the terms of the contracts, but states may now process applications for funding.

Market Relief Payments passed by Congress in December have been released earlier than anticipated. While prices vary across the major crop types, farmers will receive 85% of payment until August 15th.

Rice farmers are set to receive around $5 million under the 2025 Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, in addition to last year's $6.5 million in Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funds. USA Rice plans to help rice farmers in export markets.

Louisiana cotton producers may qualify for USDA FSA Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) by forgoing a Marketing Assistance Loan in exchange for a payment on the eligible commodity. The deadline to apply for LDPs on 2024’s Crop is May 31, 2025.

A federal judge has ordered the Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate the impacts of five pesticides on endangered species. Louisiana has 21 of those Endangered species. The biological opinions are due in 2026 and 2028.