Strain Details Intense Trade Mission to Ivory Coast
Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain returned from a high-stakes trade mission to West Africa, outlining a packed schedule, long-term goals, and big opportunities for Louisiana farmers. Strain traveled to Côte d’Ivoire, spending days meeting with government leaders, U.S. Embassy officials, and major industry partners.
A 36-Hour Journey Into a Growing Global Market
Strain described a demanding travel schedule that included a 24-hour trip, an 11-hour flight on a 787, and six straight hours of meetings before even reaching the hotel. U.S. Embassy teams greeted the delegation, provided armored transport, and coordinated early briefings before meetings with key Ivorian ministers.
Despite jet lag and malaria-prevention medication, Strain said the mission stayed focused: understand West Africa’s needs, identify Louisiana’s strengths, and build a framework for two-way trade.
What Louisiana Can Export
Strain said Ivory Coast urgently needs products Louisiana produces in abundance.
Top prospects include:
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Rice — high-quality, single-variety Louisiana rice is in demand.
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Poultry — a major growth opportunity.
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Timber — scarce locally due to deforestation.
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Natural gas and butane alternatives — a multimillion-dollar market.
Strain also highlighted Louisiana’s advantages: quality control, variety-specific rice storage, and consistency that earns a premium on global markets.
What Louisiana Can Import
Ivory Coast is a global powerhouse in three commodities:
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Cocoa
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Cashews
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Coffee
Strain said these imports could grow through the Port of New Orleans and Port of Baton Rouge, creating new opportunities for candy manufacturers, specialty roasters, and local entrepreneurs.
A Launchpad for West African Expansion
Strain said Abidjan serves as the gateway to West Africa’s 400 million consumers. Establishing strong ties there opens doors to Ghana, Sierra Leone, and other regional markets.
“This is the launching pad,” Strain said. “We need ships coming in full and leaving full. That’s how you build real trade.”
Strain also noted Ivory Coast’s strict border enforcement, strong infrastructure, and ongoing investment in ports, highways, and security—conditions that make U.S. trade more feasible.
Why It Matters for Louisiana Farmers
With American consumption flat, U.S. agriculture needs new buyers. Strain said nearly 40 percent of farms have lost money in recent years, making global expansion essential.
“We’ve got to get commodity prices up,” he said. “Exports move the needle.”
The commissioner’s office plans a second delegation—this time including port officials, business leaders, commodity buyers, and legislators—to begin formalizing agreements.
Louisiana’s push into West Africa is early, but Strain says the potential is enormous: “If we do this right, it’s prosperity on both sides.”