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HR 316

AGRICULTURE: Urges and requests the LSU AgCenter, in coordination with the Southern Ag Center and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, to study and develop strategies to strengthen small and mid-scale agricultural production and to increase opportunities for young adults to participate in and pursue careers in agriculture

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tehmi Chassion and 1 co-sponsor

Urges a coordinated study to strengthen small- and mid-scale farming and expand youth participation in agriculture, with a detailed final report by Feb 1, 2027.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 316

Overview

  • Type: House Resolution (HR 316)
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Primary sponsor: Rep. John Wyble (co-sponsor listed)
  • Purpose: Urges and requests the LSU AgCenter, in coordination with the Southern Ag Center and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, to study and develop strategies to strengthen small and mid-scale agricultural production and to expand opportunities for young adults to participate in and pursue careers in agriculture. Requires a written report to the House committee by February 1, 2027.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution aims to initiate a study and development of strategies to:
    • Strengthen production on farms under 250 acres (small to mid-scale farms).
    • Increase entry and participation in agriculture among young adults.
    • Strengthen direct-to-consumer sales and value-added agricultural markets.
  • It emphasizes the importance of agriculture to Louisiana’s economy, culture, rural communities, workforce development, and long-term food security.

Key Provisions and Areas for Study

The resolution identifies specific areas the study should address, including but not limited to:

  1. Sales and marketing training for direct-to-consumer producers.
  2. Access to processing facilities, especially for poultry and small livestock.
  3. Cold storage infrastructure (refrigeration and freezer capacity).
  4. Evaluation and improvement of the state's “Certified Louisiana” branding program.
  5. Development of a statewide peer-to-peer training conference for producers.
  6. Expanded technical assistance through the LSU AgCenter focusing on small-scale production and value-added “clean food” production.
  7. Support for farmer mental health and wellness resources.
  8. Opportunities to expand agritourism (farm-based events, on-site sales, and other revenue-generating activities connecting consumers with local agriculture).
  9. Best practices and mentorship programs to support, expand, and encourage participation among young and beginning farmers.
  • The LSU AgCenter is also asked to identify potential policy recommendations, including incentives, partnerships, and workforce development strategies to support these efforts.

Who is Affected

  • Directly involved: LSU AgCenter, Southern Ag Center, and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
  • Beneficiaries: Small and mid-scale farmers (less than 250 acres), aspiring and young farmers, direct-to-consumer producers, agritourism operators, and local food systems in Louisiana.
  • Indirect benefits: Rural communities, local economies, and stakeholders involved in Louisiana’s branding, processing capacity, and market access.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Action requested: The LSU AgCenter (in coordination with the Southern Ag Center and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry) shall study and develop the outlined strategies and best practices.
  • Reporting requirement: A written report detailing findings and recommendations must be submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development no later than February 1, 2027.
  • Transmission: Copies of the resolution are to be sent to:
    • Vice President for Agriculture, LSU
    • Chancellor, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
    • Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry

Potential Impact

  • Provides a formal, non-binding directive to coordinate a multi-agency study addressing practical barriers for small and mid-scale farmers.
  • Could lead to policy recommendations, pilot programs, or partnerships aimed at improving market access, processing capacity, cold storage, branding, and youth engagement in agriculture.
  • The timeline establishes a near-term milestone for policy discussions and potential legislative follow-up based on the written report.

Summary

HR 316 is a Louisiana House Resolution urging a coordinated study by the LSU AgCenter, Southern Ag Center, and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to bolster small- and mid-scale farming and to create more opportunities for young people in agriculture. It covers market and infrastructure needs, branding, education, mental health, and agritourism, and requires a comprehensive written report by February 1, 2027.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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