Structure
The LSU AgCenter is headed by a chancellor who reports to the president of the LSU system. Two vice chancellors, one for research and one for extension, report to the chancellor. The vice chancellor for research is also the director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station; the vice chancellor for extension is also director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. Many of the researchers and extension specialists who work at the center also have joint appointments in departments within LSU's College of Agriculture.Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station
The Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station includes 20 research stations across the state at which the research necessary for agricultural enterprises to be profitable in the unique environments of each area is conducted. The research stations and locations are: Aquaculture, Botanic Gardens at Burden and Central, all in Baton Rouge; Calhoun in Calhoun; Coastal Area in Port Sulphur; Dean Lee in Alexandria; Hammond near Robert east ofLouisiana Cooperative Extension Service
The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service includes offices in all of Louisiana's 64Areas of focus
Crop adaptability
The subtropical climate replete with ample sunshine and water is not only conducive to crop growth but also to growth of unwanted insects, weeds and diseases. Controlling pests is a constant battle and requires a continuous supply of new crop varieties and new integrated pest management tools and strategies. Center scientists develop the crop varieties that can be successfully grown in Louisiana, and they develop the tools and strategies to control pests in the most cost-effective, environmentally beneficial manner. The center extension educators are on the front lines in every parish getting this information into the hands of the food and fiber producers.Alternative fuels
The LSU AgCenter is engaged in a broad array of bioenergy/biofuel research and extension activities. With the goal of identifying and evaluating bioenergy production technologies that can be economically feasible in Louisiana on a commercial scale, research activities are focused on: (1) feedstock development and evaluation and (2) feedstock processing and bioenergy production. Research activities in feedstock development include evaluation of potential feedstock crops such as high-fiber sugarcane, sweet sorghum, switchgrass and sweet potatoes for ethanol production as well as a variety of oilseed crops and other feedstocks for biodiesel production. Feedstock processing and bioenergy production research covers a range of scientific investigation including gasification and cellulose conversion technologies.Coastal restoration
Maintaining and restoring Louisiana's valuable coastline is vital to the future of not only Louisiana but the nation. The Louisiana coast is the gateway to Central and South America and the corridor for the oil and gas that power much of the eastern half of the United States. The LSU AgCenter's part in the massive restoration effort includes developing coastal plant varieties that can proliferate rapidly. Acceleration of plant production requires fast seeding and efficient harvesting. These new varieties must be able to do what their ancestors have done for centuries – hold on to the land and keep it from washing out to sea.Functional foods
Development of functional foods is the largest and fastest growing segment of the food industry. Functional foods are foods that have been enhanced to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutritional value. Functional foods add value to the food production industry and create economic development opportunities for Louisiana. Ingredients for functional foods come from plant sources, dairy products, animal byproducts, fishery waste and aquatic resources. LSU AgCenter researchers have patented an array of functional foods from Louisiana products including alligator, rice, garlic, blueberries, muscadine, mayhaw, black drum, soybeans, oysters and crawfish. These products are poised to boost economic opportunity in the state and improve individual health.Childhood obesity
The LSU AgCenter is attacking the societal problem of obesity by aiming at children. Through the Smart Bodies program, children all over the state are exposed to educational information about eating properly and getting exercise through a school enrichment program. By going through the Body Walk exhibit, children learn about the human anatomy and the effects food has on the body. Research indicates the comprehensive program is making a difference. Children are learning to change to a healthier lifestyle and are passing the information on to their parents.Sustainable housing
The LSU AgCenter's Louisiana Home and Landscape Resource Center, also known as LaHouse, provides a model for how to build sustainable housing in the Deep South. It's a family-friendly, energy-efficient house designed to stand up to hurricane-force winds, swarming insects and harmful humidity. LaHouse showcases innovations in home construction for Louisiana's sub-tropical climate. Ongoing activities include tours and seminars for builders and consumers on topics ranging from construction of storm-safe housing to environmentally friendly home landscaping.Rural initiatives
Rural Louisiana includes some of the poorest parishes (counties) in the United States. To enhance economic opportunity in these impoverished areas, the LSU AgCenter has established the Delta Rural Development Center in Oak Grove in the northeastern corner of the state. Educational programs offered include leadership training, workshops on grant writing, entrepreneurship for teens and how to do business on the Internet. AgCenter experts have helped establish agro-tourism businesses, farmers’ markets and community betterment associations.4-H support
The center plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through itsReferences
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