Grain Terminal Cancelled in Louisiana Due to Local Opposition

Greenfield Louisiana LLC, supported by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, has come under fire for delays in constructing a grain export facility in St. John the Baptist Parish. The company attributes these setbacks to “special interest groups,” “plantation owners,” and the Army Corps of Engineers, which has raised concerns about the project's location amid significant “environmental justice” and “cultural concerns.” The facility, designed to store up to 11 million tons of grain, requires compliance with various laws, including the Clean Water Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. The Army Corps of Engineers emphasized that the review process has been timely and necessary due to the area's rich cultural resources. Greenfield has pledged to take measures to protect any historical sites or artifacts discovered during construction. The company has showcased testimonials from local residents who support the facility, highlighting the potential economic benefits it could bring to the community. Opposition to the project is led by Joy and Jo Banner, founders of The Descendants Project, which aims to preserve the heritage of enslaved people and their descendants. Their efforts include acquiring land, such as a former plantation, to safeguard local history. The proposed grain terminal's proximity to significant sites, including the Evergreen Plantation and Willow Grove cemetery, has raised alarms among heritage advocates. In recent months, the community has seen divisive flyers targeting local activists opposed to the terminal, featuring racist imagery. Greenfield representatives have denied any involvement with these materials. The Descendants Project has initiated multiple lawsuits concerning zoning changes and tax exemptions related to the facility.