(BATON ROUGE)---Louisianans love a good challenge and state Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain knows it. That's why he's challenging everyone in Louisiana to eat locally-produced foods for one week, especially during the National Farmers Market Week from Sunday, August 3 through Saturday, August 9.

Called the "Eat Local Louisiana Challenge", Dr. Strain says finding the local delicacies would be no problem, with farmers' markets and road-side stands all over Louisiana offering the best in fruit, vegetables, seafood, pork, beef, and dairy products.

Dr. Strain adds that finding the appropriate seasonings for any locally-grown dish would be easy, as well, with numerous hot sauces available and the abundance of salt produced in the state.

"Your food will taste better because it's fresher and you'll be proud to support your Louisiana farmers and the local economy," said Dr. Strain. "You'll know your food is coming from your area and not trucked in from hundreds of miles away."

Dr. Strain is also urging residents to learn more about Louisiana products by visiting local farms, farmers' markets, and other production-oriented facilities to see first-hand how food makes it way to dinner tables.

---