Another Sweet Potato Processing Plant in Louisiana?

The head of Louisiana food processor Bruce Foods Corp. said Wednesday that he will meet next week with state economic development officials in an attempt to get his company's stalled sweet potato processing project back on track.

Bruce Foods Chief Executive Si Brown had complained that the administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal had given preference - and offered more state money - to Conagra Foods Inc (CAG) for a similar project in northeast Louisiana.

But Secretary of Economic Development Stephen Moret said the only thing holding up Bruce Foods is the Iberia(IBRLF.PK)Parish-based company's refusal to open its books for inspection - a standard requirement imposed by Jindal for companies getting any kind of state loan.