REDI

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REDI’s primary objective is to provide substantial economic growth and opportunity from within the state of Louisiana. The program would function as a vehicle through which substantial investments will be made into the rural and urban communities and economies of all 64 parishes. These investments would be in the form of grants that require matching funds from participants. The core of this initiative is to provide a venue for Louisiana to more effectively and sustainably utilize its natural resources, optimize its wealth of human resources, improve the health of the population and environment, and to improve the quality of live, while having a substantial positive effect on Louisiana’s economy.

            A major goal of REDI is to encourage in-state sustainable and profitable economic development in the local rural agriculture and community level sectors, while adding value to locally produced agricultural based food products. Primarily, REDI seeks to enhance and develop local, regional, and state-based practical production to consumption systems for locally produced agricultural foods. Goods purchased on a local economic scale benefit the producers, community co-ops, packers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.

            A grassroots effort in Louisiana has been underway for the last few years! Louisiana’s citizens have devised this plan for substantial economic development from within the state’s boundaries. Louisiana has great human and natural resources and is known for great food! Why not put all of these ingredients together and give the opportunity to Louisiana consumers, marketers, processors, and producers of locally grown foods? This is a common sense concept. Many concerned citizens have worked hard to merge these components into a comprehensive plan, or initiative. REDI will provide great benefits and appeal to all that have Louisiana’s best interest at heart!  

            The REDI program is patterned off of successful programs in Kentucky and Tennessee. Louisiana has the advantage in this arena, Kentucky is known for race horses, Tennessee is known for country music, but Louisiana is known for great food and great people! Last year Kentucky invest 50 million in its program and Tennessee invested 26 million in its program. Request for funding in Louisiana is for 1 million dollars annually for each parish, or 64 million total. Funding for a 10 year term is needed to establish a sustainable system.

            The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) has been adopted as a project by each of the seven RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development) councils, which geographically represent the entire state of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Association of RC&D Councils.  RC&D Councils have successfully leveraged the RC&D appropriation 8 to 1 to directly support conservation and economic development in local communities across the nation. REDI will be efficiently administered through the Louisiana Association of RC&D Councils which is comprised of the existing seven regionally based RC&D councils. The RC&D areas and councils have been established with the Governor’s endorsement by authorization of the Secretary of USDA. RC&D Areas exist for the purpose of implementing initiatives, such as REDI. An important component of the RC&D mission is to work towards providing more jobs for area residents by expanding the existing economy or by stimulating new economic growth.