LSU AgCenter Applauds $1 Million in Federal Funding for Mississippi River Invasive Species Consortium
LSU AgCenter
BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU AgCenter is proud to announce $1 million in federal funding that will supercharge ongoing initiatives aimed at stamping out invasive species that threaten agriculture and natural resources in Louisiana and across the Mississippi River valley.
The funding will enable the creation of the Mississippi River Invasive Species Consortium — a regional hub for research and outreach on detecting, identifying and managing invasive and non-native pest species. The consortium, which will be coordinated by the LSU AgCenter, will promote collaborative projects that unite scientists from land-grant institutions throughout the Mississippi River valley in the fight against species that pose economic, environmental and social challenges.
U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, of Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, was instrumental in obtaining the funding. She is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
The funding was included in recently approved legislation and will be channeled to the consortium through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
“I am proud to champion this crucial investment in the Mississippi River Invasive Species Consortium’s efforts to combat invasive species,” Letlow 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.”
Invasive species include microorganisms, plants and animals that are not native to an ecosystem. In many cases, they crowd out native and desirable species, creating environmental concerns and disrupting agricultural operations.
Louisiana’s warm climate and diversity of ecosystems allow many invasive species to thrive — including giant salvinia, feral hogs, Chinese tallow trees, air potatoes, apple snails, Mexican rice borers, Asian carp, citrus greening, guava root-knot nematodes and emerald ash borers.
Louisiana is a center of global agricultural trade positioned along the Mississippi River, adding another layer of vulnerability to invasive species threats — a challenge that is shared by other states in the river’s wide-reaching valley.
The AgCenter has a longstanding commitment to researching invasive species and educating constituents about them. It already houses a Center of Research Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species, and the consortium will elevate this work to a regional level stretching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.
This collaborative approach will strengthen the region’s ability to respond to new threats and protect the U.S. food and agricultural system.
“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. “This funding will allow us to coordinate detection, identification, research and best management practices to mitigate these threats and protect our region’s vital agricultural and natural resources.”
Learning about and developing strategies to manage invasive species is critical to the future of agriculture and natural resources in Louisiana and America. These industries provide safe, secure and sustainable food and fiber products to people across the country and the world.
Other members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation played a role in securing the funds and are looking forward to the consortium’s work.
“The LSU AgCenter leads the way in combating the invasive species that threaten Louisiana’s marshes, crops and way of life, and its new Mississippi River Invasive Species Consortium will be a big step forward for their good work,” said Sen. John Kennedy. “The consortium will help Louisiana with the huge messes that invasive species like Asian carp and hydrilla create for our economy and wildlife. It’s important work, and I was happy to play a part in it through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy added, “Protecting our coastline and wildlife from invasive species is possible because of places like LSU Ag Center. Let’s support them as they invest back into our communities and ecosystem.”
For more information about the Mississippi River Invasive Species Consortium and other AgCenter initiatives, visit www.LSUAgCenter.com.