Washington, D.C. – During debate in the House Agriculture Committee on the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-LA) was able to maintain key provisions from the 2002 Farm Bill that protect the Louisiana rice industry.

“The current Farm Bill has provided a sound safety net for Louisiana’s rice farmers, and I am pleased that we were able to maintain that success with these provisions,” said Boustany, a member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.  “By maintaining these provisions, we can create a stable and strong community for Louisiana’s farmers and ranchers.”

Boustany’s two amendments were approved by the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.  One amendment would set the loan rate for long-grain rice at $6.50, as well as set the loan rate for medium and short-grain rice at $6.50.  Additionally, a second measure by Boustany would modernize the counter-cyclical payment calculation by moving away from an “all rice” calculation and toward a separate long-grain calculation, as well as a medium and short-grain calculation.

“This is a critical first step in a long legislative process.  I will continue to work for Louisiana’s agricultural interests as we move forward,” Boustany added.