FARMING: Expresses support for Louisiana farmers in light of ongoing market fluctuations, staffing changes, and funding cuts to state and local departments at the federal level.
SR 124 is a symbolic resolution expressing Louisiana's support for specialty crop farmers (such as those growing strawberries, sweet potatoes, and okra) facing challenges from federal funding cuts. It highlights the loss of $6.38 million in annual food bank funding and $11.7 million for schools due to the USDA ending programs that helped purchase local produce. The resolution does not create new funding but urges the state to develop its own initiatives to support farm-to-institution purchasing and strengthen local food systems. It specifically addresses how canceled federal programs impacted Louisiana's agricultural economy and food security, particularly for small and medium-sized farmers. As a non-binding resolution, it formally acknowledges these challenges without implementing new policy changes.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Senate Passage
May 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced May 19, 2025
Last action May 27, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
SR124 Original
→
SR124 Enrolled
·
1 edit
·
May 27, 2025
MINOR
The bill was finalized and enrolled, changing the title to reflect a specific focus on specialty crop farmers rather than all farmers. The text was reorganized to emphasize specific USDA funding cuts in early 2025 and the resulting financial impact on local food banks and schools. The resolution now explicitly calls for state-level initiatives to replace lost federal support.
Scope change
The scope narrowed from general support for Louisiana farmers to specifically support farmers growing specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.).
DEFINITION
The definition of specialty crops was retained but placed in a new context to explain why these specific producers are most affected by the federal cuts.
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
0
May 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
Read by title and adopted.
upper
May 19, 2025
Introduced
Rules suspended. Introduced in the Senate. Read by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Patrick McMath
RRepublican
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