Louisiana Senate Bill SR188

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/5/16
• Passed: 6/6/16

Caption

Requests the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to develop and adopt an official logo for watermelons produced in Washington Parish.

Impact

The official logo proposed through SR188 is intended to protect Washington Parish farmers by creating a distinction between genuine local products and counterfeit ones. By establishing this branding, the resolution seeks to not only improve the economic outlook for local farmers but also assures consumers of the quality they expect when purchasing watermelons labeled as produced in Washington Parish. This action aligns with the state’s interests in supporting local agriculture and preserving its agricultural heritage.

Summary

Senate Resolution 188 urges the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to establish an official logo for watermelons produced in Washington Parish. This initiative aims to enhance the marketability and authenticity of Washington Parish watermelons, which are renowned for their superior quality and flavor. The resolution highlights that fraudulent watermelons are currently being sold under the guise of being Washington Parish products, negatively impacting local farmers by increasing market supply and driving prices down.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around the resolution appears to be supportive, reflecting a collective recognition of the importance of protecting local agricultural products. The potential for an official logo is seen as a positive step towards consumer protection and preserving the integrity of Washington Parish watermelons. Stakeholders likely view it as an essential measure to maintain competitive fairness in the market while reassuring consumers regarding the authenticity of the products they buy.

Contention

While the bill does not seem to have significant opposition in the discussions, it opens the door for consideration around other agricultural branding issues that may arise in the future. Questions could be raised about the extent of regulatory oversight needed for labeling agricultural products and possible implications for farmers in different regions if similar requests emerge. Additionally, there may be an underlying concern regarding the resources required from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to implement and enforce the new branding protocols.