Because the government of Laconia provided considerable tax

Hi guerrero25, for these bold face questions, i suggest that you crack the stimulus of ur question before going to the answer choice. Once, u identify premise, conclusion n counter premise, u will find it easier to choose a correct answer. In this particular question:
Premise: the government provided tax incentives to farmers, many newspapers, expecting that these tax incentives would allow farmers to invest more and improve the profitability of Laconia’s agricultural sector.
Conclusion: Laconian agriculture would soon become profitable
Counter premise: HOWEVER, these newspapers did not consider that the Laconian government only supports the weakest segments of economy, not likely to become profitable any time soon.

After cracking the stimulus, u will clearly see that 1st Bold face lies on Premise which supports the conclusion and 2nd Bold face lies on the counter premises that opposes the conclusion. Saying in other way, they are on the opposite positions. what we need is to find an answer that correctly describes these positions.

(A)The first provides evidence supporting the conclusion of the argument; the second gives a reason for questioning the conclusion.
=> Good. They are in the opposite sites. A good Contender.
(B)The first provides evidence supporting the conclusion; the second is the conclusion of the argument.
=> 1st bold face's role is correct but 2nd isnt the conclusion so we can eliminate this choice safely.
(C)The first is a statement explained by the argument; the second provides evidence in support of that statement.
=> They are on the same side again. Eliminate.
(D)The first is a statement opposed by the argument as a whole; the second is evidence opposing that statement.
=> 1st correct, 2nd fails to describe its role.
(E)The first is a statement explained by the argument as a whole; the second provides evidence opposing that statement.
=> This is an Shell Game answer. However, the argument doesnt explain any statement. Instead, it claims that
"Laconian agriculture would soon become profitable". The 2nd is opposing the conclusion not the statement.

Hence, A is correct.

Hope it helps.