News Summary
Local sugarcane farmers in Plaquemine, Louisiana, are observing the implications of President Trump’s remarks encouraging Coca-Cola to switch from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar. With Louisiana producing approximately 13.8 million tons of sugarcane annually, farmers like Patrick Frischhertz remain hopeful despite no immediate increase in demand. Meanwhile, the community deals with the tragedy of a local teen’s death, casting a shadow over the agricultural optimism.
Plaquemine, Louisiana
Local sugarcane farmers are keenly watching the potential fallout from recent remarks by President Donald Trump that encourage Coca-Cola to shift from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar in its beverages. This move could significantly impact the sugarcane industry in Louisiana, which currently produces approximately 13.8 million tons of sugarcane annually, ranking second only to Florida’s 17 million tons. However, despite the promising new direction, local farmers have not yet seen increased inquiries from distributors or beverage manufacturers regarding sugar supplies.
Patrick Frischhertz, a seasoned sugarcane farmer and owner of St. Louis Planting in Plaquemine, has been in the farming business for nearly 16 years. He is the son-in-law of an eighth-generation sugarcane farmer and is optimistic about the future of his industry. Frischhertz has noted that Trump’s comments have ignited conversations around the benefits of cane sugar over high-fructose corn syrup, emphasizing the natural qualities of sugarcane.
As the planting season is underway, farmers like Frischhertz are busy replenishing their fields, some of which have been farmed for over three years. Although Coca-Cola is set to launch a new line of drinks sweetened with cane sugar later this fall in the U.S., there is currently no evident increase in demand for sugarcane from local farmers.
In a reflective view on taste, farmworker Israel Huerta has voiced that drinks sweetened with sugarcane provide a superior flavor compared to those made with high-fructose corn syrup. Huerta’s perspective adds to the growing discussions among consumers and farmers about the merits of cane sugar in various products.
Rising Tensions Amid Local Tragedy
While the sugarcane industry is experiencing heightened attention, the community is grappling with a tragic incident involving an 18-year-old local, Ja’Morius Mitchell, who was found dead in a sugarcane field. The authorities have launched a homicide investigation into Mitchell’s death, which was initially shrouded in mystery as he had been reported missing for a week prior to the discovery of his body.
The case has taken a grim turn as Tyler Dante Davis, an 18-year-old, has been identified as a suspect in the homicide. The investigation suggests that Mitchell was killed over a dispute related to a cellphone. Evidence recovered during the investigation—specifically a backpack belonging to Davis—contained an AR-15 style pistol, contributing to the crime scene’s disturbing context. Davis allegedly shot Mitchell twice before concealing his body in a drainage ditch beneath the sugarcane and subsequently setting the field ablaze.
Two additional individuals, Sterling Powell, 18, and Devontae Johnson, 23, have also been apprehended and charged as principals to second-degree murder in connection with the case, highlighting the involvement of multiple suspects in this tragic event.
Community Response
The local community is in mourning, and to assist with the funeral expenses for Mitchell, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up. This incident, while casting a shadow over the community, sheds light on the urgent need for support systems as families grapple with the consequences of violence.
The juxtaposition of the potential for growth in the sugarcane industry against the backdrop of a community dealing with loss reveals the complexities faced by residents of Plaquemine. As farmers like Frischhertz continue to cultivate their fields, they are simultaneously confronted with the realities of tragedy affecting their neighborhood. The outcome of both the Coca-Cola initiative and the investigation into Mitchell’s death remains to be seen, but for now, the fate of Louisiana’s sugarcane farmers and its community are intricately intertwined.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- LA Illuminator: Sugar Cane and Coca-Cola
- WAFB: Body Found in Sugarcane Field
- WBRZ: Identification of Burned Body in Sugarcane Field
- The Advocate: Burned Body Found in Sugarcane
- Post South: Homicide Investigation Updates
- Wikipedia: Sugarcane
- Google Search: Sugarcane industry Louisiana
- Google Scholar: Sugarcane economics Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sugarcane
- Google News: Sugarcane Louisiana news
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
