The Sweet Potato Journey

Sweet potatoes are one of Louisiana’s most valuable specialty crops, generating an estimated $80 million in economic impact and supporting farmers, processors and rural communities across the state. Louisiana producers harvest approximately 5,400 acres of sweet potatoes each year, producing about 2.8 million bushels . The crop is grown by 37 producers in 15 parishes , making it an important contributor to the state’s agricultural economy and heritage.

The LSU AgCenter has been a driving force behind the success of Louisiana’s sweet potato industry for more than 75 years through the work of the Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, Louisiana, the nation’s only research station dedicated exclusively to sweet potatoes. Researchers maintain a nationally recognized foundation seed program that provides high-quality, disease-free planting material, helping growers improve yield and root quality. AgCenter scientists have also developed industry-leading varieties, including Beauregard, Orleans, Bayou Belle and Avoyelles , that are grown in Louisiana and beyond. Through ongoing research in breeding, disease management, production practices and pest control, along with direct support from Extension personnel, the LSU AgCenter continues to provide the innovation and expertise that keep Louisiana sweet potato producers competitive and the industry strong.

Cultivating Excellence: Innovation at the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station

Established in 1949, the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, Louisiana, stands as a testament to over seven decades of dedicated research, innovation and service to the sweet potato industry. Spanning 308 acres, this facility has been at the forefront of advancing the sweet potato industry in the United States, transforming its trajectory from a humble crop into a thriving specialty crop with a diversified market base.

Why sweet potatoes are a healthy choice 🔥 Only 90 Calories Per Serving

Nutrient-dense food that provides vitamins and minerals with relatively few calories 🥕 Excellent Source of Vitamin A

40% of the Daily Value per serving Supports eye health, immune function and healthy skin 🍊 Good Source of Vitamin C

15% of the Daily Value per serving Helps support the immune system and wound healing 🍌 Rich in Potassium

440 mg per serving Helps regulate fluid balance and supports muscle and nerve function ✅ Naturally Fat-Free

0 grams total fat No cholesterol 🍬 No Added Sugar

Naturally sweet with 12 grams of naturally occurring sugars 0 grams added sugar Sweet potato product diversity In addition to fresh-baked or microwaved sweet potatoes, look for these delicious and nutritious value-added sweet potato products:

Sweet potato fries Sweet potato chips Canned sweet potatoes Sweet potato baby food Sweet potato cookies, pancakes and biscuits Dehydrated sweet potato flakes Ready-made sweet potato casseroles Steamed and mashed sweet potatoes Sweet potato in fruit juices Sweet potato dog food and pet treats Sweet potato ice cream LSU AgCenter unlocks secrets beneath the soil for sweet potato yields, lower fertilizer use

A dedicated group of researchers are behind the sweet potato casserole that will grace many Louisiana tables on Thanksgiving. At the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, scientists have developed sweet potato varieties that have ample sweetness for consumers, ideal shape for processors and high yields for farmers.

The Sweet Potato Journey

Comments