AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence
AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence: From Planting to Harvesting Lettuce
At the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence, we use an innovative closed-loop aquaponics system to produce fresh, sustainable lettuce. Here’s an overview of our process:
Fish as Fertilizer: The Role of Channel Catfish
Our system begins with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), sourced as fingerlings from Circle C Fish Hatchery in Carrier, Mississippi. These fish are fed high-quality pelleted fish food provided by Cargill, a Louisiana-based company. Rather than raising the catfish for harvest, we maintain them as long-term “residents.” This approach ensures a continuous and reliable source of natural fertilizer, reducing the need for onsite fish processing and eliminating disruptions in fertilizer production.
Each of our four catfish tanks holds approximately 1,200 gallons of water, contributing to a total of 7,000 gallons in our fish system, including filters, sump tanks, and plumbing.
Nutrient Conversion: From Waste to Growth
The fish waste is processed in our advanced filtration system, which includes inert plastic media that provides a high surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. These bacteria convert ammonia in the wastewater into nitrate-rich water, an ideal nitrogen source for plants.
Solid waste is removed during backwashing and sent to biodigesters, where additional bacteria break it down further, releasing valuable minerals into the water. This nutrient-rich water is then pumped into our Deep Water Culture ponds in the greenhouse, creating a sustainable cycle.
Deep Water Culture: Lettuce Growth
Our greenhouse features four 7,500-gallon Deep Water Culture ponds, where floating foam rafts, known as “Beaver Boards,” support the growth of lettuce. Each board holds 28 rockwool plugs, a sustainable growing medium made from spun molten rock.
The process begins in the nursery, where seeds are sown into trays holding 200 plugs each. The seedlings are nurtured for 10–20 days before being transplanted into the greenhouse ponds. The entire cycle, from seed to harvest, takes 30–75 days, depending on factors such as plant genetics, temperature, nutrient levels, and light conditions.
Sustainable Benefits
Our aquaponics system minimizes water usage, using 90% less water than traditional farming methods. Additionally, fish waste eliminates the risk of E. coli contamination often associated with animal-based fertilizers. This innovative method allows us to produce fresh, healthy lettuce while significantly reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence is committed to fostering innovation and educating communities about environmentally friendly farming practices. From planting to harvesting, our system exemplifies sustainability and efficiency in action.
How to apply
If you’re interested in having technical assistance training for your business, click the link and fill out in its entirety LCCF INTAKE. A team member will respond within three (3) business days to assess your needs. We welcome the opportunity to help you grow your business!
Overview of Louisiana AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence
Established in 2024 with the support of Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., who represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, the AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence (AACE) is the largest closed-loop hydroponic aquaculture center in Louisiana. Located in Harvey, the AACE encompasses over 10,000 square feet of operating and greenhouse space dedicated to cultivating fresh, locally sourced vegetation and advancing the AgriAquaculture industry in the region. This state-of-the-art facility functions as both a business incubator and a workforce training center, aiming to empower small businesses in AgriAquaculture—particularly those owned by residents in rural communities, Jefferson Parish, and the greater New Orleans metropolitan area.
Mission and Impact
The AACE’s primary mission is to promote economic resilience and job creation within the AgriAquaculture sector, supporting small businesses through comprehensive technical assistance, educational programs, and collaboration opportunities. By creating an empowering network of collaborators and partners, the center fosters innovative business solutions that drive economic growth, resilience, and job opportunities across southern Louisiana.
Workforce Development and Community Empowerment
The AACE offers specialized workforce training designed to prepare underemployed, unemployed, hard-to-employ, and returning residents for meaningful employment in AgriAquaculture. These programs provide essential skills in sustainable farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, and aquaculture—offering pathways to jobs in one of Louisiana’s emerging industries. Additionally, AACE’s focus on local food production is especially crucial for underserved communities facing food insecurity. By training individuals to cultivate fresh, nutritious food locally, the center helps reduce dependence on long-distance supply chains, enhancing food security and resilience.
Business Incubation and Entrepreneurship Support
The AACE’s business incubation services are specifically tailored to assist minority entrepreneurs and small farmers in the AgriAquaculture industry, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed. Training programs cover essential business skills such as management, marketing, and finance, alongside technical support for growing and maintaining agricultural operations. This dual focus helps local entrepreneurs expand their reach into new markets, particularly for high-demand Louisiana agricultural products like sugar cane, sweet potatoes, rice, cotton, and pecans, as well as aquaculture goods such as crawfish, shrimp, and oysters.
Addressing Food Security and Building Resilience
With food deserts prevalent across southern Louisiana, many residents lack reliable access to healthy, fresh food. The AACE’s focus on promoting local farming and aquaponics seeks to address these gaps, reducing dependency on distant suppliers and enhancing the community’s ability to withstand economic and environmental disruptions. By creating a sustainable local food system, the AACE contributes to long-term community resilience and food security, ensuring that residents have access to nutritious food options even during times of crisis.
The Importance of Local AgriAquaculture Development
As reported in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the number of farms across the U.S. has decreased significantly in recent years, while the average farm size has grown, often pushing out smaller and minority-owned farms. In Louisiana, where minority-owned farms face structural disadvantages and represent only 7% of all farms despite a Black population of over 30%, the AACE’s incubation and training services are vital for leveling the playing field. By focusing on expanding market access and supporting small farmers in cultivating Louisiana’s key crops and aquaculture products, the AACE aims to foster a more equitable and inclusive AgriAquaculture industry.
Programs Offered at AACE
The AACE provides a range of educational and practical training classes, including:
- Technical Skills in AgriAquaculture: covering hydroponics, aquaponics, sustainable farming practices, and aquaculture management
- Business Development and Management: training in marketing, finance, and operations to support the growth and sustainability of small businesses
- Market Expansion Strategies: assistance in identifying and accessing new market opportunities for small farmers, with a focus on high-demand local products
- Workforce Readiness Programs: targeted training for unemployed and underemployed individuals to prepare for jobs within AgriAquaculture, including hands-on experience in the greenhouse facilities
Becoming a Hub for AgriAquaculture
The AACE is poised to position Southeast Louisiana as a national destination for AgriAquaculture innovation. Through its dual strategies of workforce development and business incubation, the center will drive economic growth, promote food security, and expand opportunities for underrepresented communities. By supporting local farmers, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable employment pathways, the AACE is creating a stronger, more equitable regional economy and a robust local food network, all while helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change and economic volatility.
To learn more or schedule a tour of the AgriAquaculture Center of Excellence, please contact us. We look forward to showcasing the transformative impact of this state-of-the-art facility and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
Agriculture and Farming in Louisiana
General Facts:
- Louisiana has over 8 million acres of farmland, supporting a variety of crops such as rice, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, and sweet potatoes.
- Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Louisiana, contributing approximately $12 billion annually to the state’s economy.
- About 25% of Louisiana’s population is directly or indirectly employed in the agriculture and forestry industries.
Processes:
- Traditional Row Cropping: Farmers use rotating crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton to maintain soil health and increase yields. This method often relies on advanced technology like GPS-guided tractors for precision planting and harvesting.
- Sugarcane Production: Sugarcane, a top crop in Louisiana, is planted annually and takes about 12-18 months to mature before being harvested and processed into raw sugar and molasses.
- Rice Farming: Louisiana rice farmers use flooded fields to grow rice, which minimizes weeds and pests. The state ranks among the top three rice-producing states in the U.S.
Aquaponics in Louisiana
What is Aquaponics?
- Aquaponics integrates aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). Fish provide nutrient-rich waste for plants, and plants filter and clean water for fish in a sustainable, closed-loop system.
- This method uses 90% less water than traditional farming and is ideal for urban and rural communities.
Benefits:
- Food Security: Aquaponics provides fresh vegetables and fish year-round, especially in areas with limited farmland or water resources.
- Sustainability: It reduces waste and doesn’t require chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- Community Impact: Aquaponics farms are increasingly used to combat food deserts and provide underserved areas with fresh, nutritious food.
Louisiana’s Seafood Industry
Key Statistics:
- Louisiana produces 25% of the seafood consumed in the U.S., contributing over $1 billion annually to the state economy.
- The state leads the nation in crawfish, shrimp, and oyster production, with millions of pounds harvested yearly.
- 70% of oysters consumed in the U.S. come from Louisiana’s waters.
Processes:
- Shrimping: Wild shrimp are harvested from the Gulf of Mexico using trawl nets. Shrimp farms are also gaining popularity, where controlled conditions ensure consistent yields.
- Crawfish Farming: Louisiana’s crawfish farmers use rice fields as dual-purpose crawfish ponds, where water management is critical for a healthy harvest.
- Oyster Cultivation: Oysters are farmed using reefs or baskets, with sustainable practices to replenish natural habitats.
Global Impact of Louisiana Agriculture and Seafood
Food Chain Contributions:
- Louisiana’s agricultural exports, including rice, soybeans, and sugarcane, play a crucial role in feeding populations worldwide.
- Ports in Louisiana, like the Port of South Louisiana, are key export hubs, handling over 60% of all U.S. grain exports annually.
- Louisiana seafood is a global delicacy, with crawfish, shrimp, and oysters featured in international markets.
Farm Workforce:
- Louisiana has approximately 27,000 farms, with 88% being family-owned and operated.
- Farmers in Louisiana represent about 2% of the total population, but their work impacts millions worldwide through food production.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: Louisiana faces challenges such as coastal erosion, climate change, and competition from imported agricultural products.
- Opportunities: Expanding aquaponics, investing in sustainable practices, and fostering innovation in traditional farming methods can secure Louisiana’s role as a leader in global food production.
By supporting local farmers, aquaponics initiatives, and sustainable seafood practices, Louisiana can continue to be a cornerstone of the global food system while addressing critical food security and environmental challenges.
