Louisiana Farmers and Ranchers on the Front Lines of National Security

By Carey Martin, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

Louisiana farmers and ranchers met with Senator Bill Cassidy during their visit to Washington D.C. Tuesday.  Photo by Carey Martin.

WASHINGTON D.C. - Louisiana farmers and ranchers visiting Washington D.C. this week are here to remind their elected representatives about the importance of Louisiana agriculture.  But they are finding that many on Capitol Hill consider them to be on the front lines of national security.

"Farmers are what give us food security, and there cannot be a more important security than that," said Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy.  He address the 45 member delegation Tuesday afternoon in a nearly hour-long session.  

Louisiana 5th District Congressman Ralph Abraham took it even a step further when he joined the group for dinner Tuesday night, calling farmers and ranchers "The Green Line" in the fight against terrorism.  

"I worry about a food-borne toxin entering our country through a terrorist organization," said Abraham.  Farmers, ranchers, foresters...they are in the field, they are on the ground and they know what's happening."

The group arrived in Washington on Monday and will depart for home later today after meeting with Senate Agriculture Committee staff about the 2018 farm bill.  

The trip was organized by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.