Interest in the LSU AgCenter’s sweet potato research has strengthened since ConAgra opened its 300-employee processing plant near Delhi in the fall. Company officials say the work done at the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station in Franklin Parish near Chase is one reason it chose northeastern Louisiana for the project. Tara Smith, the LSU AgCenter’s sweet potato specialist and research station coordinator, tells The (Monroe) News-Star that decision has translated into a gradual increase in Louisiana sweet potato acres planted. Most of northeastern Louisiana’s crop continues to be sold for use in the top-quality fresh markets, but ConAgra is driving demand for more potatoes it can process into finished products.
Interest in La. sweet potato grows
Sign up for the free Daily Report email – local news about the people, companies and issues that impact business impact business in Baton Rouge and beyond.
