By Jamie Angelle
KPEL-FM 96.5
As Hurricane Francine approaches the Gulf Coast, Louisiana’s farmers and rural communities are preparing for yet another potential blow to their livelihoods. While much of the media attention focuses on urban evacuations and storm preparedness, the long-term impacts on agriculture and fragile ecosystems often receive less attention. Based on previous storms, the damage to crops, fisheries, and the state's wetlands is likely to have significant and lasting effects on the state's economy.