Ag leaders are calling for improved shipping infrastructure in the Mississippi River basin to make U.S. ag exports more competitive and lower food costs.
Port of South Louisiana CEO Paul Matthews said a key project is deepening sections of the lower Mississippi River by five feet, reaching a depth of 50 feet so larger barges can enter the port.
“That is an impact of more than $15.5 billion with a ‘b’ to our economy, to the American farmers and what happens in their pockets and what happens to their crops,” he said.
