By Maria Pham
Tiger TV
Strawberries, Louisiana’s state fruit is planted in early fall. Strawberry farmers anticipate harvesting in the spring.
William Fletcher is one of three strawberry farmers left in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
“It is a difficult industry to be in. There are more stable paychecks to be had outside of farming,” Fletcher said. “And, to be quite honest with you, land is worth a whole lot in certain areas of the state.”
Farms in Louisiana have dropped 9% according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service census. Expensive land sold to developers turns into subdivisions and shopping malls.