Our organization
Get to know our mission, vision, values, and people
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is responsible for administering many of the programs and enforcing the regulations that impact every aspect of the state’s agriculture and forestry.
At the farm and forest level, these industries contribute $11.7 billion annually to the state’s economy. When the many support industries are added in, agriculture and forestry touch the lives of everyone in Louisiana, making them critical to the economic growth and prosperity of the state as well as a vital part of our rich cultural heritage.
LDAF was created in accordance with the provisions of Article IV, Section 10 of the Constitution of Louisiana. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry heads the department and exercises all functions of the state relating to the promotion, protection, and advancement of agriculture and forestry, except research and educational functions expressly allocated by the constitution or by law to other state agencies.
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Mike Strain, D.V.M. , Commissioner Of Agriculture & Forestry
Brent Robbins, D.V.M. , Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Staff
Sabrina Sentino , Deputy Chief of Staff
Todd Parker , Confidential Assistant
Tabitha Irvin , Executive Counsel
Jennifer Finley , Press Secretary
Melissa Hidalgo , Director of Personnel and Policies
Mission
LDAF’s mission is to promote, protect, and advance agriculture and forestry, and soil and water resources.
Vision
Our vision is to be a unified and coordinated team that effectively responds to the challenges facing the agricultural and forestry industries, and which pursues each and every opportunity that might provide a benefit to the state and its citizens.
Our values
Public first -
Each of us has the high honor and distinct privilege of serving the citizens of our state. With fairness and honesty at the forefront, we will be responsive, proactive, and flexible in our dealings with others.
Pursuit of excellence
We are committed to getting the job done right the first time in as effective and efficient manner as possible and in accordance with our overall mission. We will aspire at all times to do our jobs better in every dimension.
Positive response to change
Recognizing that our workplace, the markets, and technology are evolving, we acknowledge that change is inevitable. We will meet the developing demands and expectations of the public with creative thinking, innovation, and more efficient processes.
Respect for individual
We will create a respectful and meaningful workplace, characterized by honest, direct, and relevant communication. Working together as a team, we will honor diversity, individuality, and personal and professional differences.
Community mindedness
We realize that our work impacts the community in which we reside and, many times, beyond such. Both as individuals and team members, we will strive to make our communities better places to live, work, and learn.