USDA declares St James Parish “Primary Disaster Area”
By Rishi Vyas
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared St. James Parish a primary disaster area along with 52 other parishes in Louisiana due to excessive rainfall and drought. The agriculture (food production) industry is the foundation of the nation’s economy. In a November 30, 2009 press release, Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M stated, “Many of our state farmers, foresters and ranchers have been devastated by natural disasters for a second year in a row and we are grateful for the help from the Governor’s office and the USDA. A concerted national effort is needed to assist our agricultural producers so American farmers may continue to produce and compete in the worldwide market place.”
With respect to this disaster designation issued by the USDA, currently, in Congress, the Food Safety Enhancement Act (H.R. 2749) has already passed the House and awaits debate in the Senate. This bill would give the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) “greater regulatory powers over the national food supply and food providers with the goal of preventing food-borne illnesses and ensuring food safety.”
What impact would this have on small farmers? The bill would empower the FDA to regulate how crops are raised and harvested by allowing the federal government to force industrialization and the purchase of industry products.
- Details
- Written by: Super User
- Category: Local Government
- Hits: 3057
Read more: USDA declares St James Parish “Primary Disaster Area”