About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education to improve people’s lives. Working in a statewide network of parish extension offices, research stations and academic departments, the LSU AgCenter helps Louisiana citizens make the best use of natural resources, protect the environment, enhance agricultural enterprises, and develop human and community resources.

Research and Extension Programs

4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development programs in Orleans parish strive to create innovative programs that play a key role in the positive growth and development of Orleans parish youth. More than 700 youth have participated in positive youth development through 154-H clubs from schools, churches, community centers and neighborhoods in Orleans parish. Collectively, more than 2,000 youth have participated in nearly 12,000 hours of enrichment instruction from AgCenter faculty and trained volunteers. Our 4-H Agents are located at the Corpus Christi-Epiphany Community Resource Center on St. Bernard Avenue.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

The LSU AgCenter values the efforts of the trained volunteers, especially that of the LA Master Gardeners. Over 319 volunteers have been trained by LSU AgCenter representatives in the Greater New Orleans area. These Master Gardeners help disseminate science-based information to residents to help beautify neighborhoods and teach gardening skills to schools and community gardeners. LSU AgCenter coordinates an annual Spring Garden Show in New Orleans City Park Botanical Gardens.

Nutrition and Community Health (NCH)

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program teaches limited income families how to eat healthy on a budget. Flavors of Health (FOH) is a nutrition and health program with a community focus that provides classes and workshops on a variety of topics that empower individuals and families to make healthy food and fitness choices and to live healthful lives. FOH utilizes the latest science and evidence-based practices to merge Louisiana’s unique food traditions with nutrition and health challenges that face our communities. We provide virtual and on-site classes, presentations, workshops, and educational materials on a variety of topics to encourage healthier food and fitness behaviors.

Whom We Reach:

• Approximately 5,400 total youth: (4-H Youth Development, ANR, and NCH)
• Approximately 4,704 total adults- (ANR & NCH)

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, local TV segments, AgMagic on the River, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, community outreach, food demonstrations, websites, social media and workshops.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Orleans Parish residents from the 2023 Louisiana Ag Summary. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $2.7 million; fisheries enterprises, $6.4 million; plant enterprises, $31 million.

Data from the U.S. Census:

Land area -169.49 square miles; Population estimates (2022) – 369,749; Population under 18 years old - 19.3%; Population 65 years old and over – 17.4%; Median household income - $51,116; Persons below poverty - 22.6%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Conduct service-learning projects for 4-H youth in Orleans Parish
• Encourage leadership and citizenship through 4-H activities
• Teach Financial Literacy using the LYFE curriculum
• Promote Healthy Living using researched based curriculum
• Promote career development and entrepreneurship activities through 4-H
• Promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through 4-H

Increase agriculture knowledge and awareness of Louisiana Agriculture

• Provide monthly GNO Magazine articles
• Conduct 2 gardens shows per year at City Park's Botanical Gardens
• Conduct several workshops each year
• Conduct annual Master Gardener classes
• Participate in community outreach events

Strengthen families and communities

• Help families acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for positive parenting
• Conduct healthy food demonstrations for youth and adults
• Promote physical activity through all educational programs
• Provide nutrition education to youth, adults and families based on the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate through EFNEP, Flavors of Health, and SNAP-Ed programs.

Increase AgCenter visibility and outreach by:

• Updating 4-H, GNO Gardening, and EFNEP Facebook page
• Participate in local health and wellness fairs
• Participate in local festivals and events
• Participate in school events
• Conduct workshops and trainings
• Write news column, newsletters, and blog articles
• Local TV appearances
• GNO magazine articles

How Is Extension Funded?

• Federal funding from the USDA/ NIFA
• State general funds from the Louisiana Legislature
• Local support from parish government, including police juries and school boards
• Self-generated funds

What Role Do You Play?

Our stakeholders at the parish level are the local supporters and beneficiaries of the LSU AgCenter cooperative extension programs. Their support keeps these critical programs in their communities.

Each Parish Offers Programming In:

• 4-H and Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Family and Consumer Sciences