LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM, led a delegation of industry officials, legislators, and representatives from Drax on a trade mission to the United Kingdom focused on promoting Louisiana’s agriculture and forestry sectors. The group engaged with stakeholders, industry leaders, and government officials to discuss collaboration in sustainable practices and to enhance market access for Louisiana products.
The delegation’s visit included meetings at Drax Power Station, where they observed how wood pellets exported from Louisiana are converted into energy. These pellets play a significant role in the UK’s energy mix. According to Commissioner Strain, “We were there to get a firsthand look at their infrastructure and generation capacity, to meet with their government officials to talk about the issues dealing with the energy capabilities throughout the entire United Kingdom, but mostly to establish a firmer groundwork so that the people in the United Kingdom understand how our forests are infinitely sustainable.”
Louisiana exports nearly 3 million metric tons of wood pellets annually to the UK. The majority of these wood pellets come from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. They are made from pulpwood and residual wood waste generated during lumber production.
Strain compared timber cultivation in Louisiana to other crops: “I like to put things into perspective,” he said. “The sugar you add to your tea is a five-year crop.” He added that timber harvests occur 12-15 years after planting and are completed after 20-25 years before replanting begins again. “It is a resource that is infinitely renewable, ecologically friendly, carbon-friendly, and all the wonderful things that we are trying to accomplish; everything from carbon sequestration to utilizing a natural resource,” Strain stated.
In addition to forestry discussions, UK rice and flour millers requested talks about expanding rice imports from Louisiana. The UK imports between 700,000–750,000 metric tons of rice each year—mostly basmati—but also long- and medium-grain varieties. Strain noted: “We aspire to become a significant supplier of that product, delivering it directly from Louisiana to the United Kingdom.” He explained that British millers prefer rough rice for processing over hulled rice.
Strain emphasized ongoing efforts: “We have a considerable amount of homework and discussions ahead regarding how to further develop our rice industry. A significant aspect of our conversations involves arranging a reciprocal visit for the rice millers from England to come to Louisiana and explore our various facilities.”
The trade mission also included visits with Wanis International Foods—a wholesaler distributing global foods across the UK—to discuss opportunities for exporting more Louisiana products such as rice and sugar.
Commissioner Strain expressed appreciation for those involved in organizing the trip: “I want to thank our team, Todd Parker, confidential assistant, and Mrs. Jennifer Finley, Press Secretary…along with Ms. Amy Grace Spall…It took months of preparation…” He acknowledged support from legislative delegates who joined them on this mission as well as U.S. Embassy staff in London.
Officials highlighted that sustained engagement was key: “It’s not because you came,” Strain quoted them as saying,”it’s because you come back.”
He concluded by noting broader goals beyond immediate economic benefits: building trustful relationships can position Louisiana as an important international supplier while fostering growth through quality products and reliable partnerships.
“It was a true testament to how we get things done—friends working together towards a common goal—which is to feed, clothe, and house the world,” said Commissioner Strain.