Louisiana Farm Journalist Travels to Cuba

by Carey Martin

Avery Davidson, co-host of the weekly syndicated television show "This Week in Louisiana Agriculture" is traveling to Cuba Wednesday as part of an agricultural trade mission.  

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham and Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford are taking a group of farmers and agribusiness professionals to the island nation in an effort to open up new markets for Louisiana and Arkansas agricultural products.  Louisiana State Senator Francis Thompson, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee will be on the trip as well.

Davidson will be shooting video for his television show, filing audio reports for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Agri-News Radio Network and writing for the VoiceofLouisianaAgriculture.org website.  

"I'll have daily reports and I'm looking forward to showing Louisiana what's going on just 90 miles off the coast," said Davidson.  

He said he's not exactly sure what stories he will tell at this point, but he does expect to see an agricultural system that in dire need of updating.  "I'm expecting to find an agricultural system that is outdated, that is left behind, more like what it was in 1959 than in 2009."

"Cuba is going to be a great market for our farmers, but I think it's also going to be a great market for our technology and information when it comes to agriculture," Davidson added.

Check back every day this week for updates on Avery's trip.