2026-2027 Southern Ag Center MSP

Project Overview

SLA26-002
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2026: $22,000.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2027
Grant Recipient: Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Region: Southern
State: Louisiana
State Coordinator:
Stephanie Elwood
Email
Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

Through this 2026-2027 MSP Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) SARE Proposal, participants will receive guidance on navigating cottage food regulations to expand income opportunities through on-farm processing and direct sales. Legal education on heirs' property will help landowners protect generational farmland and improve access to agricultural programs and financing. A comprehensive, regionally adapted planting guide will be introduced to support improved crop planning and climate-appropriate production. Spring and fall gardening workshops will emphasize sustainable growing practices that enhance beginning growers as well as seasoned farmers knowledge on cut flower production and shelf-life extension of crops. Marketing training will equip participants with tools to strengthen branding, customer outreach, and market access.

Together, these workshops will promote farm profitability, long-term land stewardship, and improved quality of life for Louisiana's agricultural communities through education-based innovation and practical application.

Project objectives from proposal:

The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) in collaboration with The Louisiana State University AgCenter (LSUAC) will implement programs that enhance the capabilities of Louisiana's agricultural professionals in the area of sustainable agriculture. Themes for 2026-2027 include: Farm to Plate: Farm Food Utilization and Sustainable Agriculture Workshop, which introduces Louisiana Cottage Laws and strategies to increase on-farm revenue; Fermentation 101, focused on extending the shelf life of crops; and Roots to Revenue, a Bayou Brands private label and pitch workshop. Additional programming will address land access and security through Clearing Title, Keeping Land: Heirs' Property Education as a Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, and provide regionally relevant planting guidance through "From Our Ancestors' Hands: A South Louisiana Planting Chart". Urban and seasonal production will be supported through the NOLA Urban Agriculture Workshop, a nine-month seasonal series, the Fall Garden Workshop 2026 covering natural fibers and dyes, land access, post-harvest preservation, and shelf-life extension of crops, and the Spring Garden Workshop 2027 focused on cut flower production and floral arrangement. Incomplete workshops from previous years include:
Everything Small Engines Workshop- Small engine repair, maintenance, principles of safety. This is incomplete because we have an extension through April 2026. The target audience for trainings will be extension professionals, non-profit representatives and mentor farmers who will share information and skills gained with local audiences. LSUAC and SUAREC extension personnel will be strongly encouraged to attend training sessions. Information delivery systems to be utilized include trainings, workshops, conferences, networking sessions, farm tours, field days, hands-on demonstrations, handouts and resource manuals.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.