Louisiana Industries (Part One)

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Coming from the Pelican State, Louisiana, the culture has always been a major part of my identity. An extensive amount of Louisiana culture is rooted in the agriculture industries that affect all parts of our state. Today, I will explore 5 main Louisiana Industries that allow our state to be unique in culture and successful among other agriculture-based states.

Forestry

"Trees are the No. 1 crop and agricultural product in the state of Louisiana." (https://aitcla.org/forestry)

According to the 2022 Lousiana State and Private Forestry Fact Sheet (provided by the Louisiana Division of Agriculture and Forestry), 15 million acres of Louisiana are classified as forest land. That's 50% of our state's area! Private, non-industrial landowners own 62%of the state’s forestland, forest products industries own 29% and the general public owns 9%. The forestry industry is prevalent among 59 out of 64 parishes and continues to provide over 50,000 jobs for Louisiana residents. In terms of revenue, the forestry industry generates around $11 Billion.

Forestry is crucial to Louisiana’s economic development. It is also crucial to the quality of life our state's citizens enjoy. Louisiana’s forests provide a multitude of benefits, including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty.

Sugarcane

In the year 1794, New Orleans Mayor Étienne de Boré abandoned all of his principles to pursue his discovery of sugarcane. According to George W. Cable’s 1884 book entitled “The Creoles of Louisiana”, " His wife and friends warned him against the resolution he was taking; but he persisted in his determination to abandon indigo, and risk all that was left to him on the chance of a success which, if achieved, would ensure deliverance and fortune to himself and the community." Due to his persistence and perseverance, the sugarcane industry dominates within Louisiana and continues to support our state's unique culture and economy.

Annually, the sugarcane industry generates an economic value of $3 Billion. Sugarcane is produced on more than 400,000 acres of land, within 24 parishes. With over 13 million tons of cane produced yearly, the industry provides around 17,000 different jobs for Louisiana citizens.

For more information, visit: https://www.amscl.org/education/learn/