Advancing Forestry and Forest Based Industries
Mike Strain understands that the timber industry is the largest sector of our Agricultural economy comprising over one billion dollars of gross income and 3.6 billion in value-added processing.
- It is imperative that we protect, enhance, and stimulate this industry through scientific advancement and investment in value added processing.
- Take full advantage of all programs such as Go-Zone Bonding and utilization of rural and urban renewal communities as well as public/private partnerships to enhance our industrial capabilities.
- By reinvesting in existing mills and providing incentives for new mills, we can markedly increase the value added processing sector and provide additional good, high paying jobs for our citizens.
A Proven Record of Effective Leadership for Our Farmers
Mike Strain understands the uphill fight our farmers face with over-taxation. He has a record of helping our farmers be more competitive, increase production, and lower the cost to consumers.
- Working on a plan to reduce transportation costs for farmers through tax credits and reverse fuel surcharges when fuel reaches a target price
- Authored legislation that removes the ability of levee districts to impose property taxes on products grown within a district’s boundaries
- Co-Authored the Eminent Domain law to protect farmers from expropriation
- Authored legislation that removes state sales taxes on propane and butane for home heating
- Passed a law that prohibits the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry from placing a fee on every drug used for domestic livestock
- Authored legislation to eliminate the Death Tax
Strain's Plan for a Stronger Agriculture Economy
Mike Strain is a strong proponent of giving our farmers the tools they need to provide a living for their families and increase Louisiana’s market share of the agriculture economy. Agriculture is a net generator of wealth. If we lose our farmers, we lose a large segment of our economy.
- Harness the power of our Land Grant Universities and Ag Centers to develop new farming methods and technologies
- Aggressively expand markets, foreign and domestic, for new crops and new uses of existing crops
- Establish a business plan to add value to manufacturing and processing of raw materials
- Create a tax cut package to spur our Agriculture economy and make investment attractive
The Strain Common Sense, Conservative Reform Agenda
Scandal, incompetence, and cronyism are on the rise in the Department of Agriculture and Forestry while farming is down. Mike Strain will provide much needed leadership and turn around the Department so that it is a partner with our farmers, our families, and all taxpayers.
- Return integrity to the office by implementing a policy of professionalism, from the top down
- Properly utilize personnel based on their job skills
- Conduct performance audits
- Be a fiscal hawk when it comes to the use of tax dollars
- Examine every contract, policy, program, commission, office and fee to ensure efficiency and eliminate all duplication
When It Comes to Our Health and Safety, Expertise Matters
The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is the first line of defense against terrorist biological attacks as well as natural biological outbreaks. The office is charged with protecting our food supply and health via regulating the movement of animals and plants, and it houses the Office of State Veterinarian.
With this important responsibility, it makes sense to have a Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry with expertise in this area. In addition to raising cattle and being active in the Farm Bureau, Mike Strain (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) has written and published articles in medical journals, and been invited to give lectures across the country on bio-terrorism and livestock.
Strain will be a proactive Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, putting our safety as a top priority.
- He will develop a Veterinarian Task Force to provide greater training and awareness of biological events
- He will maintain a scientifically-based policy towards livestock sanitation
- He will protect our state’s border from contaminated animals and produce
- He will provide solid, professional leadership to ensure effectiveness in dealing with crises