Extension and Technical Assistance Programs

 

 

The Water Quality Extension Lab provides a unique opportunity for stakeholder engagement through technical assistance grants that provide faculty expertise and an experiential learning platform for future scientists. These programs are no-cost to the stakeholders and will allow faculty experts to recommend projects or ideas to save money on different aspects of your operation. The major goals of these programs are to educate stakeholders on sustainable avenues for their business while training the next generation of scientists by showing what agriculture and industry look like in Louisiana. The team will do a brief site visit to the facility or farm to discuss the area of needed assistance and collect data for a report to be made. We thank all of our partners for the opportunity to work with each site and are flexible to fit the needs of your growing business. A customized report will be generated for your facility to outline possible ideas for sustainable projects and a starting point for projects. For additional information about programs, to schedule a site visit, or to inquire about a technical assistance report, please email Dr. Michael Hayes (mhayes@agcenter.lsu.edu). If one of the programs does not fit your facility's profile or needs, reach out via email to see if other opportunities through LSU's network may be applicable. 

Southern Extension and Research Activities Committee Number 46 (SERA-46)

Made up of land grant universities throughout the Mississippi River basin, this group brings together researchers and extension specialists who share a common interest and expertise related to the environmental, social, and economic factors that contribute to nutrient loss from agricultural lands and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. This USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and land-grant university-funded committees are designed to promote multi-state research and extension activities, communicate strategies for conversation, and inform stakeholders on nutrient reduction strategies. 

Water and Energy Conservation for Rural Communities

This USDA REAP program provides the opportunity for rural businesses to have a team of water quality and energy experts assess their facility to offer water and energy-saving recommendations. The program targets agricultural farms, aquaculture processors, and rural water treatment (waste and drinking water) for assessments, but has the capabilities for other types of operations. Faculty involved with the program include water quality specialists from LSU AgCenter and industrial and mechanical engineering faculty from LSU Engineering. Our team is excited about the opportunity to help the Louisiana rural community connect with programs that can help implement water and energy conservation practices and promote a more sustainable future for Louisiana. 

Pollution Prevention: Environmental Justice in Communities

This EPA Pollution Prevention program is a collaboration with Southern University and LifeCity to provide communities and industries an opportunity for water quality-based assessments, promoting the conservation of water and protection of waterways across the state. Industries with a large water footprint that are looking to make a positive community impact are encouraged to reach out for faculty and students to recommend projects and perform basic water quality analysis as benchmark measurements. The program offers an opportunity for community connectivity and advances environmental stewardship throughout our state.