Report to Stakeholders December 2019

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.

Program Highlights

Family and Consumer Sciences-FCS

Nutrition and Health: The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP Ed, and General Nutrition Education programs address nutrition and health. Lessons are taught in schools, summer camps, head start facilities, senior centers, libraries, farmers’ markets and faith-based venues. Adults and youth representing all economic backgrounds benefit from completing a series of 6-8 lessons relating to: portion sizes, reading labels, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, Dietary Guidelines and My Plate, exercise, and healthy choices.

Ombudsman Program: Six ombudsmen resolve complaints, provide resources and advocate for the health and well-being of the residents living in Jefferson nursing homes, skilled care facilities and assisted living residences.Visits with residents, families and facility staff are made according to the GOEA mandates and residents’ requests.

4-H Youth Development

Jefferson Parish 4-H members (9 and 19 years of age) learn and practice how to be strong leaders and citizens through educational opportunities relating to environmental science, healthy living, leadership and citizenship. Collaborators include Jefferson public schools, Kiwanis, Ochsner, Bike Easy and Lions’ Club. 4-H youth with the assistance of adult volunteers develop a sense of Belonging, Independence, Generosity and Mastery which leads to the ability to succeed, meet challenges and develop social skills and self-confidence today and in the future.Collaborations will enhance the opportunities of our youth.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Public interest continues in growing and teaching others to grow fresh produce which had resulted in a continuous demand for programs on home vegetable gardening and home fruit production, pollinator gardening and school and community vegetable gardening.

Presently there are 398 trained Master Gardeners provide a total of 8,278 volunteer hours’ worth an in-kind value of $241,329.89 educating the public in areas relating to horticulture through projects including a demonstration garden at LaSalle Park, gardening seminars and school gardens.

Three regional horticulturists continue to offer programs and resources to Jefferson residents, business owners, and community leaders to increase knowledge while demonstrating best practice horticultural techniques.

Fisheries/Coastal Restoration

The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant Program in conjunction with JP councilmen, local businesses and community leaders is focused on these major initiatives in Jefferson Parish:

• Direct Marketing/Quality Control of Regional Fisheries Products
• Fishery Bycatch Utilization
• Off-bottom Polyploid Oyster Production
• Coastal Recreational Shellfishing in vicinity of Grand Isle
• National Review Panels for Federal Fishery Research
• Offshore Mariculture Steering Committee
• Bucktown Marina Development Committee
• Commercial Fishing Liaison
• Bivalve Market Development

Whom we reach:

• 4,120 youth representing 25 schools in Jefferson Parish.
• 20,609 adults (16,000 agriculture and natural resources and 4,609 family consumer sciences)

How we reach them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, community centers, social media, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website and workshops.

Expanding our efforts:

1,034 volunteers:704 ANR, 42 youth, 288 FCS

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Jefferson Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $872,073; aquaculture and wildlife, $26,277,069; plant enterprises, $32,012,802.

Land area — 295.7 square miles; Population —434,051; Population under 18 years old — 24%; Population 65 years old and over — 24%; Median household income — $50,766; Persons below poverty — 15.3%

Local issues and plans for this year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture.

• Train parish residents on Best Management Practices for home vegetable gardens, school and community gardens and pollinator gardens through site visits, workshops, seminars and group meetings. Conduct the annual LA Master Gardener program training. Conduct 7^th annual AgMagic on the River event.

Promote the wide use of natural resources and protection of the environment.

• Collaborate with Jefferson Parish Coastal Protection office and two high schools to plant cypress trees.
• Present Coastal Wetlands educational programs to all 4-H club members.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish.
• Strengthen STEM learning opportunities through aeroponic gardens, coastal education and environmental science, inground gardens, healthy eating and exercise.

Strengthen families and communities

• Family Nutrition Program clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget, reading food labels, preparing simple, healthy meals, and the importance of exercise for good health.
• Build strong Healthy Communities Community Partners through collaborations with churches, hospitals, parish government, parish schools, American Heart Association and Bike Easy.