LSU AgCenter receives $1 Million in federal funding for invasive species management

BATON ROUGE, La. (KNOE) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture awards LSU AgCenter $1 Million in federal grant funds to create the Mississippi River Invasive Species group.

The group will promote projects that unite scientists from institutions throughout Mississippi for species that pose threats to the environment and economy.

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow helped secure the $1 million federal grant for the LSU AgCenter, center representatives said.

“I’m committed to protecting our agricultural resources and natural habitats and love seeing LSU on the cutting edge of such important work. This funding will empower our universities and partners to develop science-based solutions that safeguard our farmers, communities and economy for generations to come,” Letlow said.The center said that Louisiana is one of the many centers of global agriculture trade along the Mississippi River, making it vulnerable to threats from invasive species.

Louisiana’s warm climate and diverse set of ecosystems allow many species to thrive.

Some of those invasive species include:

• Feral hogs
• Apple snails
• Asian carp
• Mexican rice borers 

 “Invasive species cost Louisiana’s agricultural producers and the state’s economy tens of millions of dollars annually, with a national impact exceeding $120 billion each year,” said Matt Lee, senior vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter and dean of the LSU College of Agriculture.

The center says the project will strengthen the region’s ability to respond to new threats and protect U.S. food and agricultural systems.

For more information on the project, visit the LSU AgCenter website here.