Acadia Parish Holds Emergency Response Meeting

CROWLEY, LA – More than 150 people attended an emergency response meeting held here today to update farmers on recovery efforts from the catastrophic flood that has devastated Louisiana, and to provide information on local, state, and federal resources available to the business and agricultural communities.  

Acadia Parish officials were joined by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, Congressman Charles Boustany, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, Louisiana State Senator Dan Morrish, State Representatives Jack Montoucet and Phillip DeVillier, and staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Reports from rice farmers across the affected area are grim.  John E. Earles farms in Avoyelles Parish and said that water east of Highway 49 remains high.  He estimates at least 80 percent of the rice crop in central Louisiana (Avoyelles and Rapides Parishes) is unharvested.

In Evangeline Parish, Michael Fruge says water levels have receded, but daily rains are keeping growers from harvesting.  He was able to cut rice for less than an hour yesterday and notes that in some instances heavy rains have inundated crops a second time.

Kevin Berken, a rice farmer in Southern Jeff Davis Parish, reports that the Mermentau River crested in Lake Arthur yesterday.  Berken was able to keep 90 percent of his rice from going under by using pump-off systems and says it’s too early to determine the impact on yields and quality.  He and his neighbors are harvesting between showers, but wet conditions are reducing harvesting efficiency.  
 
USA Rice is working with universities, decision-makers, and local, state, and federal agencies to help assess the damage to the crop, as well as assisting with coordination of the recovery efforts in the field.  Staff is attending meetings in affected parishes, and has provided updates to FEMA.

Acting U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse assured USA Rice staff in the state that, "USDA stands ready to assist Louisiana growers, landowners, and agribusinesses as they recover from this terrible event."  Scuse also encouraged growers to visit their local offices as soon as possible to learn more about available USDA programs.

At today’s meeting Commissioner Strain said, "it will take a few weeks before we understand the full damage of the rains."  He went on to stress the importance of keeping records and photographs to expedite assistance.

Congressman Charles Boustany also emphasized the need for accurate assessments with documentation for affected acres and requested regular updates from USA Rice.

“The industry here still faces challenges to harvesting the remaining crop,” said Randy Jemison, Louisiana field services director for USA Rice.  “We are proud of our growers, mills, and allied industries who have shown perseverance and resilience in the face of this disaster and I know we will work to help the Louisiana rice industry move forward from this awful event.”