GROW LA Pilot Connects 27 Farmers, Producers and Small Business Owners with Resources in Opelousas

BATON ROUGE, LA — From information to action, the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s (SUAREC) Growing Rural Opportunities through Workforce and Business Development, Louisiana (GROW LA) initiative made a measurable impact during its Opelousas pilot, connecting 27 farmers, producers, and small business owners with practical guidance, trusted resources, and hands-on technical assistance. GROW LA is designed to help Louisiana farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners access the information, programs, technical assistance, and relationships needed to strengthen and grow their operations.

During two sessions in Opelousas, participants received guidance on farm registration, USDA programs, business development, and other resources available to support agricultural and small business operations.

Through its partnership with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), participants received hands-on assistance with registering their farms, obtaining farm serial numbers, creating Login.gov accounts, locating USDA Service Centers, and learning how to access federal programs.

The sessions resulted in several immediate outcomes, including:

• One producer visited the local FSA office immediately following the first session to apply for a farm serial number.
• Two producers began the eligibility process for obtaining farm serial numbers.
• One producer received assistance scheduling an appointment to explore a Direct Operating Loan.
• Two producers received direct assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
• Prospective entrepreneurs received guidance on the foundational steps for starting a business.
• Two business owners received resources and service information from the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (Louisiana SBDC).

Dr. Krystle J. Allen, GROW LA Program Coordinator, emphasized that the initiative is designed to provide participants with more than information by creating direct connections to resources and technical assistance.

“Growing Rural Opportunities through Workforce and Business Development, Louisiana (GROW LA) gave participants more than information. It gave them access. Using Extension’s framework of meeting people where they are, the Opelousas pilot helped remove barriers by connecting farmers and small business owners directly with the people, tools, resources, and technical assistance needed to address real challenges and move their businesses forward.”

Allen noted that the response from participants demonstrated the need for this type of support in rural communities.

“Seeing participants return ready to complete forms, ask questions, and take action showed us that the program is meeting a genuine need in our rural communities.”

As a statewide initiative, GROW LA will continue expanding its support across Louisiana while reinforcing its message that “Every Farm Is a Business.”

The Southern University Ag Center extends its appreciation to the USDA Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Louisiana Small Business Development Center, and the Southern University Ag Center team members who contributed to the success of the Opelousas pilot.

Following the Opelousas pilot, GROW LA will continue its outreach in Ville Platte, Louisiana, bringing its resources and technical assistance to another community.

GROW LA: Growing Rural Opportunities through Workforce and Business Development, Louisiana, is an initiative of the Southern University Ag Center designed to connect Louisiana farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with educational opportunities, technical assistance, and resources that support business development and agricultural success.

For more information, contact Dr. Krystle J. Allen at Krystle_Allen@suagcenter.com or Jamerson Jackson, JD at Jamerson_Jackson@suagcenter.com.