[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13860]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING THREE BROTHERS FARM

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, the opportunity to buy from local 
businesses affords consumers fresher and higher quality products, but 
it also gives them the chance to support the communities in which they 
operate. In that spirit, I am proud to recognize Three Brothers Farm of 
Youngsville, LA, as Small Business of the Week for their commitment to 
bringing high-quality locally grown products to restaurants and 
consumers all around the State of Louisiana.
  Three Brothers Farm in Lafayette Parish got its start in 1944 when it 
began producing fresh, all natural fig preservatives. They traveled to 
farmer's markets all across the State to bring their quality products 
to the masses. For years they enjoyed growth and success in the fig 
industry; however, in 2005, when Hurricane Rita came ashore bringing 22 
consecutive hours of salty gulf rain with it, Three Brothers Farm faced 
an unprecedented challenge. The result of such extended rain was 
devastating to the fig tree population on the farm and dramatically 
decreased Three Brothers Farm's ability to produce enough figs to 
supply the demand.
  Instead of giving up, the owners turned their efforts to a new 
endeavor and began to develop the sugar aspect of the business. Under 
this new direction, the farm added an FDA-approved kitchen to be used 
to scrub raw sugar and thus be able to provide it to area restaurants 
and co-ops. Their venture paid off tremendously as they now have 29 
acres of naturally produced sugarcane and Celeste figs, which allows 
them to service some of the best restaurants in Louisiana including the 
Besh Restaurant Group, Herbsaint, Cochon, and Le Petite Grocery, 
amongst many more.
  Congratulations again to Three Brothers Farm of Youngsville, LA, this 
week's Small Business of the Week, for their dedication to providing 
Louisiana with ``Certified Cajun'' products and I look forward to your 
continued growth and sweet success.

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