Mike Strain, Louisiana commissioner of agriculture and forestry, came to campus Thursday to address the importance of agriculture in Louisiana and how vital it is to the struggling economy of the United States.

“Farming is big business,” he said, iterating the costs of farming equipment on the market today.

Despite the cost, however, farmers can make significant profits with the demand for produce because the food industry is constantly growing each year.

According to Strain, even small farms do well. “People want to buy their products closer to home,” Strain said. “They want to know that their food is safe, fresh and wholesome for their families.”

With the steadily rising population of people living in America, the need for more living space is taking over farmland, but the need for food also increases.

According to Strain, the food supply in America will have to double by the year 2035 to meet demand.

“We must increase our rate and the acceleration of technology,” Strain said, telling audience members how crucial it is for farmers to be able to produce food in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Taylor Campbell, junior of agriculture business, said, “It makes you realize what’s actually going on. It makes you realize that there is more to agriculture than people think.”

Clay Branton, a sophomore studying biology, said he came to Strain’s talk to show his support but also felt special ties to what was said because both of his parents are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“In [Louisiana], agriculture is a huge part of our economy,” Branton said. “It always helps to know what is going on in your state.”