Congressman Clay Higgins, Governor Jeff Landry, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain met with local farmers, cattlemen, and aquaculture representatives in Baton Rouge to discuss ways to strengthen Louisiana’s agricultural sector.
During the roundtable, Congressman Higgins spoke on behalf of the state’s rice, crawfish, and shrimp producers. He raised proposals including suspending imports for these products, expediting aid through the USDA’s Commodity Credit Association, and advancing H.R. 5710, known as the Bridge the Gap for Rural Communities Act. These requests were also detailed in a letter led by Higgins and co-signed by Governor Landry, Commissioner Strain, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation President Richard Fontenot.
Earlier in the week, Higgins sent a letter to President Trump requesting a halt on all foreign shrimp imports due to health concerns. He also sent another letter asking for a suspension of rice imports because of market volatility and what he described as unfair trade practices from international producers.
“I appreciate Secretary Rollins visiting Louisiana and taking time to hear directly from farmers in our state. We’re working closely with her and President Trump to support the agriculture industry and put American farmers first. Today’s roundtable embodies the Trump administration’s commitment to Louisiana’s farmers, and my office will continue to advocate for agricultural and seafood industries,” said Congressman Higgins.
Clay Higgins has represented Louisiana’s 3rd district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Charles Boustany. He previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Born in New Orleans in 1961, Higgins is now 61 years old and resides in Lafayette.
