Despite the state’s annual budget cuts, the LSU AgCenter has experienced significant growth in its programs and production this past year, according to its administration.
“Commodity production has increased and prices are at all-time highs,” said Bill Richardson, chancellor of the LSU AgCenter.
Richardson attributes Louisiana’s 2011 $10.7 billion agriculture worth to the “Golden Age of Agriculture.”
“The Golden Age is about improving economic conditions and the quality of life of Louisiana citizens through our research and development programs,” Richardson said.
The AgCenter developed the Office of Intellectual Property 25 years ago to economically safeguard
AgCenter research, inventions and innovations. A product that has recently been licensed for mass commercialization through the Office of Intellectual
Property is EX5, a sports drink created by an AgCenter researcher.
Mirroring other sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade in taste, EX5 provides vastly greater amounts of electrolytes and potassium. EX5 also has significantly lower amounts of sugar and sodium than Gatorade and Powerade, according to AgCenter chancellor Bill Richardson.
“It will be available nationwide eventually,” Richardson said. “But it will not be seen on LSU’s campus anytime soon because LSU has a contract with Powerade.”
In response to the organic trend, the AgCenter recently created the Master Rice Growers Program to develop more sustainable farms with conservation programs.
Richardson said Kellogg and Budweiser are major buyers interested in purchasing rice products from verified sustainable farms.
The other part of the “Golden Age of Agriculture” involves the improvement of Louisiana citizens’ quality of life.
Richardson said the AgCenter plays a major role in encouraging healthy living and activities throughout the state.
“The AgCenter’s 4-H program is my target area,” Richardson said.
The 4-H program fosters leadership and life skills in children ages 9-19 and provides them with positive opportunities.
“We focus on character building through leadership programs and activities such as shooting sports, vehicle safety and hunter safety,” Richardson said.
Another aspect of the program focuses on living a healthy lifestyle.
“There is a huge obesity problem in Louisiana,” Richardson said.
The 4-H program educates children about exercise and healthy foods.
“We try to provide positive reinforcement for the children in this program who, unfortunately, do not receive the same support and education at home,” Richardson said.
Richardson said he is optimistic about the near future and believes the “Golden Age” will continue to influence and improve Louisiana’s economy and its citizens.
“I think we are going to continue to stress the quality of what we are doing,” Richardson said. “And what we do, we will do well.”
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Contact Lea Ciskowski at [email protected]