Tomatoes

The Minority and Veteran Affairs Division helps to link minority and veteran farmers to the technical assistance needed; in order to make more informed agricultural decisions on their farms, and it helps to sustain and increase the number of minority farmers farming in Louisiana. As agriculture transcends the rural limits and becomes a focal point in the integration of food production and urban life, these farmers are faced with issues such as funding, land access and experience.

Outreach programs such as this, helps to create a network of knowledge and information for new and beginner farmers as well as those who have been farming for many years. It bridges the gap of cross-generational knowledge allowing everyone to benefit. This program has not only help stimulate the local economy in these communities by the increase in minority farmers participating in farmer’s markets, but it also helps socially disadvantaged farmers and veterans looking to transition into agriculture; become more sustainable. It also creates avenues for small farmers to be able to provide food to their families, friends and communities; especially those living in food deserts.

DEMOGRAPHICS:

Louisiana has a total of 8,072 minority owned farms operating on about 865,342 acres.

Contact Information:

Jeremy Hendrix, MBA Director of Minority and Veteran Affairs Office: 225.952.8155 Fax: 225.237.5929 Email: jhendrix@ldaf.state.la.us

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