Louisiana Food Policy Council Celebrates Passage of Farmers First (HCR 205) and $3 Million Investment in Local Agriculture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— July 17, 2025
Media Contact: Margee Green
Louisiana Food Policy Council
margee@lousianafoodpolicy.org
LOUISIANA- The Louisiana Food Policy Council (LAFPC) applauds the Louisiana Legislature for the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 205 (HCR 205), Farmers First, authored by Chairman of House Appropriations, Representative Jack McFarland, and the inclusion of $3 million in House Bill 1 (HB 1) to directly support the state’s small and mid-sized farmers. This investment marks a critical step forward in building a more resilient and thriving local food system.
HCR 205, known as Farmers First, affirms Louisiana’s commitment to prioritizing small-scale producers and acknowledges the losses farmers experienced through recent federal funding cancellations. The resolution was backed by a broad coalition made up of farmers, food advocates, and rural leaders, and passed with strong bipartisan support.
“We are grateful to Chairman McFarland for his leadership and clear vision for the future of agriculture in Louisiana,” said Margee Green, Statewide Director of the Louisiana Food Policy Council. “He recognized what so many of us have known for years: that our small and mid-sized farmers are essential to Louisiana’s economy, culture, and food security. This resolution and the $3 million investment that accompanied it in HB1 are a direct result of his dedication and responsiveness to farmers across the state.”
Chairman. McFarland (R- Jonesboro), a longtime advocate for rural economic development, introduced HCR 205 in response to years of advocacy from producers and organizations working to strengthen Louisiana’s local food economy. “Our farmers are the backbone of our communities,” said Chairman Jack McFarland. “HCR 205 and the funding in HB1 put Louisiana farmers in a position to succeed—so they can feed our families, drive our economy, and pass a stronger land legacy on to future generations.”
The $3 million allocated in HB1 will provide direct support for infrastructure and market expansion for small and mid-sized farms, including direct purchases from farmers to help alleviate hunger in communities and schools, and connect those who grow food to those who need it most. “Investing in our farmers is investing in the future of Louisiana,” said Senator Glen Womack (R-Harrisonburg). “As a legislature, we believe in self-reliance, strong local economies, and protecting the traditions that make our state great. This funding honors those principles by giving our farmers the tools they need to succeed, grow their businesses, and feed our people. It’s a smart investment in both our economy and our values.”
“This funding truly makes a difference for farmers like me. It gives us the opportunity to improve our facilities, reach more customers, and keep providing our communities with fresh, locally-grown food, “said Ashley Armstrong, Armstrong Farms in Bastrop, LA ,” I’m deeply grateful for this support and recognition.”
“For years, we’ve said: put farmers first, because farmers feed people”, said Lester Williams, a vegetable farmer in Batchelor. “Now, Louisiana is taking action to back those words with support.”
Rep. Troy Romero (R-Jennings), who has long championed Louisiana’s farming communities, underscored the significance of the investment, “Supporting Louisiana’s farmers isn’t just good policy—it’s common sense. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and our way of life. This funding ensures that our farmers have the tools they need to stay competitive, feed our communities, and preserve our rural values for generations to come.”
LAFPC and its partners at the Louisiana Small Scale Agriculture Coalition (LSSAC) are excited to work with LDAF, legislators, and grassroots coalitions to ensure these resources reach the producers and communities who need them most.
“This is just the beginning,” added Green. “We will keep advocating until every farmer in Louisiana has the support they need to thrive.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.louisianafoodpolicy.org.