NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation (LFBF) hosted its 103rd Annual Convention here this weekend with record breaking participation and key discussions around critical challenges and opportunities for Louisiana agriculture. A longtime rice farmer and agricultural leader from Evangeline Parish, Richard Fontenot, was re-elected as the LFBF president for 2025 and presided over the event.
Attendees participated in policy development, including commodity-specific, sessions which continue to be critical to Louisiana’s agriculture sectors. Delegates also convened for official business and elections of the LFBF, and, of course, to share in the celebration of the newest LFBF Queen, Emma Dupree of Grant Parish.
USA Rice Director of Field Services Kane Webb and Director of International Trade Policy Karah Janevicius were on the ground here participating in the convention’s formal and informal gatherings. During the Rice Conference, hosted by Allen McLain from Abbeville as chair of the Rice Advisory Committee, Janevicius shared an overview and outlook on international trade.
“We certainly value our partnership with the Louisiana rice industry and the Louisiana Farm Bureau,” said Janevicius. “The trade reality for rice is as dire as ever with non-tariff barriers, such as India’s policies and practices, not only hurting our farmers in key export markets, but right here in our back yard. The glimmer of hope is that we have an Administration in office who is actively working to fight against these bad actors and restore reciprocal trade.”
Janevicius continued, “We look forward to continuing working closely with LFBF to reinforce our industry’s story and finding creative long-lasting solutions towards a level playing field.”
Rice continues to be a foundational crop in Louisiana, with approximately 470,000 acres planted in 2025. Yield improvements are being driven by ongoing technology and research funded through the Louisiana Rice Research Board.
Attendees also explored rice’s role in sustainable agriculture through estate planning sessions and dialogues hosted by the LSU AgCenter, including the Ag Leaders of Louisiana meeting.
While in town, Janevicius also met with The Russell Marine Group to learn about the current shipping environment for the rice industry. In April, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced its proposed actions, including port fees for Chinese vessels, under the Section 301 investigation to combat China’s shipbuilding dominance, to begin being implemented as early as October 2025. Go
here for more information on USTR’s targeted coverage in the proposed actions.