At the urging of District 34 State Senator Francis Thompson (D-Delhi), members of the Senate approved two bills aimed at addressing important agriculture issues.
One measure authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to develop and adopt an official logo for products grown or manufactured in Louisiana. The other bill removes obsolete language relative the Interstate Pest Control Compact from Louisiana law.
Senate Bill 74 by Sen. Thompson expands the Department of Agriculture’s authority to adopt logos for products grown, manufactured and produced in Louisiana as well as agricultural related activities conducted in Louisiana. Such logos include the “Certified Louisiana,” “Certified Cajun,” and the “Certified Creole” logos that can be found on many products. The measure also establishes civil penalties for those who use a logo without prior approval from the department. Any revenue generated from the penalties will be used for the promotion of the logo programs.
“These logos promote both agricultural commodities and agriculture activities in Louisiana,” said Senator Thompson. “The logos assure customers, in Louisiana and around the world, that they are buying authentic Louisiana products.”
Senator Thompson said that there are also plans in the works to adopt a Louisiana Certified Farm-to-Table Restaurant logo could be used by restaurants where the majority of the raw and value-added products used are produced and sourced locally. “These logos are part of a larger movement that not only encourages healthy, local eating but also works to enhance the economic well-being of Louisiana’s agricultural industry,” said Thompson.
The second measure, Senate Bill 75, removes the Interstate Pest Control Compact, which was disbanded in 2012, from state law.
Senate Bills 74 and 75 now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. The 2016 Regular Session began March 14 and must end by June 6.