USDA: Households with children have higher rates of participation in SNAP

SNAP Chart

Baton Rouge, LA - On September 4, 2013 Economic Research Report No. (ERR-155)  revealed that an estimated 14.5 percent of American households were food insecure at least some time during the year in 2012, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. Within the same month, another ERS publication reveals that households with children have higher rates of participation in the SNAP program. The ERR-156 report was released September 19, 2013.

Estimates of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation rates—the proportion of eligible individuals who receive SNAP benefits—are regularly published at the State and national level. Estimates of SNAP participation by the elderly, children, or other subpopulations within individual States, however, have not previously been available due to data limitations. ERS researchers overcame these limitations by linking SNAP administrative records to individual records in the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, using Texas as a pilot study. Researchers found significant geographic and demographic differences in SNAP participation within the State. Nationally, participation rates are higher for households with children than for childless households, a pattern also evident in Texas. Overall, Texas households with children were about twice as likely to participate in SNAP as households without children in 2009. The presence of children in a household was associated with significantly higher participation across all household types—households headed by couples, single females, single males, and households composed of multiple unmarried adults.  The full report is available at the ERS website. 

To reduce food insecurity in underserved communities, the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s Nutrition and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAPEd) team is implementing gardens and nutrition education across the state. The SNAP program at SU Ag Center is led by De’Shoin York-Friendship.  For further details, contact Friendship at 225-771-2582 or via email deshoin_york@suagcenter.com.

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SU Ag Center: Youth from East Baton Rouge Parish Growing a Generation of Geospatial Thinkers on 4-H National Youth Science Day

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center prepares students for the annual National Science Day on October 9.

WHAT:      As part of 4-H NYSD, 25 youth from Southern Lab School’s 9^th Grade Science class will participate in the 4-H Maps & Apps: the 2013 National Science Experiment. With 4-H Maps & Apps, thousands more young people will take the first step as they apply cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology skills and become community planners.

                        Designed by the Colorado State University Extension, the 2013 National Science Experiment is 4-H Maps & Apps, a set of activities that will turn young people into geospatial thinkers as they design and map their ideal park, using GIS mapping to solve community problems and contribute data about their community to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

WHEN:          October 9, 2013                     9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE:        Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Room 191, 1^st floor, A. O. Williams Hall

B.A. Little Drive

Baton Rouge, LA 70813

CONTACT:   To request more information or to RSVP to attend by October 2, 2013, please contact:  Tiffany Wilkerson-Franklin, 225-771-2775, tiffany_franklin@suagcenter.com

ABOUT:         GIS/GPS mapping has applications in numerous fields – from healthcare, national defense and environmental science to agriculture, aeronautics and city planning. For more than 10 years, 4-H youth have been applying GIS/GPS technologies within their communities. In an effort to continue to grow the next generation of leaders pursuing science college majors and occupations that enhance the nation's contribution to the sciences, 4-H NYSD demonstrates that science, engineering, math and technology are fun and attainable options for college degrees and future careers. The 4-H National Youth Science Day seeks to spark an early youth interest and leadership in STEM careers. Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H STEM programming in topics as varied as robotics, agricultural science, rocketry, wind power, environmental science and biofuels.

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SU Ag Center holds Small Farmer Graduation Ceremony

Louisiana Small Farmer Leadership graduating class

Matthew and Dianne Tisby with their two future farmers

L-r: Mellion-Patin, Williams, Taylor, Eubanks, Brown

Baton Rouge, LA- This morning, September 21, 2013, the Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Boot Camp at the SU Ag Center graduated the 12 farmers and future farmers enrolled in the class. Each of these farmers has attended, and been very active in the 75-hour course that began in February of this year under the direction of Dr. Dawn Mellion-Patin. Congratulations are in order! The SU Ag Center Administration turned out to express confidence in the graduates’ future success. Leodrey Williams, Chancellor; Adell Brown, Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Research; Gina E. Eubanks, Vice Chancellor for Extension; Allison Johnson, USDA Liaison at Southern University; and other Center employees were there to bring welcome and good wishes to the graduates.

The common thread in today’s message to graduates was helping others. Mr. Frank Taylor, President of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative in Mississippi was the invited Guest Speaker. Taylor emphasized the importance of leaders being at the table when policy decisions are being made, and urged the graduates to become the voice for rural America and to impact the well-being and lives of people, especially the voiceless and underserved. He challenged them to look around and identify needs which they can organize resources to address, and change lives in their communities.

Graduates of Louisiana Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership class were: Leroy Conish, Vacherie; Julie Dell, Opelousas; Sharleen Jeanbaptiste, St. Martinville; Rintha Simpson, Pride; Malcolm Braud, Amite; Cleo Braud, Amite; Floyd Prescott, Opelousas; Tammy Armand-Golden, Baton Rouge; Kelli Hollins, Baton Rouge; Michael Dubone, Lake Arthur; Dianne Tisby, Shreveport; and Matthew Tisby, Shreveport. The Tisbys of Shreveport made it a family affair, attending classes with their five and seven-year old future famers. “This class means everything to us; we have now registered our farm as LLC, reorganized our business, and now moving forward,” Dianne said.

For further details, please contact Dawn Mellion-Patin at 225-771-2242.

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Turkey Rector of Siirt University visits SU Ag Center

L-r: Udoh, Johnson, Walker, Chin, Brown, Malekian, Marshall, Manuel, Kandara, Erman, and Ghebreiyessus

Baton Rouge, LA – Rector (Chancellor) of Siirt University, Turkey, Dr. Murat Erman, during a recent visit to Southern University held talks with SU Ag Center Chancellor Leodrey Williams, Executive Vice chancellor and Vice Chancellor for research, Adell Brown, Jr., and other Center officials. They discussed opportunities for establishing collaborative research efforts and scientist exchange program.  Other Ag Center employees present at the meeting were: Calvin Walker, animal science professor; Kit Chin, plant science professor; Kamran Abdollahi, urban forestry professor; Fatemeh Malekian, nutrition professor; Andra Johnson, urban forestry professor; Yemane Ghebreiyessus, urban forestry professor; Oscar Udoh, Coordinator for Planning and Evaluation; Renita Marshall, animal science professor; and Shonta Manuel, research associate, animal science. Also joining the discussion was Dr. Osman Kandara, professor of computer science and Southern University Liaison for Turkey. Southern University has already entered into a three-year faculty and student exchange program with the Turkish university.

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General Honoré discusses sustainable agriculture with SU Ag Center

L-r: Brown, Chin, Marshall, Eubanks, Honore, Williams, Udoh

Baton Rouge, LA – Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, US Army (Retired) met with officials at Southern University Ag Center on Tuesday, September 17 to talk about working with small farmers in Nigeria in the area of milk and vegetable production. The General suggested a number of models that could work in Nigeria including a sustainable career model which involves establishing cooperatives. He was contacted by a small business seeking technical assistance and training to boost production.  The initial meeting consisted of Leodrey Williams, Chancellor; Adell Brown, executive vice chancellor and vice chancellor for research; Gina E. Eubanks, vice chancellor for extension; Kit Chin, professor of plant science; Renita Marshall, associate professor of animal science; Oscar Udoh, coordinator for planning and evaluation; and Bridget Udoh, communications specialist. 

Honoré said he came to the SU Ag Center because he knows that we work with small farmers in Louisiana with expertise in vegetable production and community gardening, and will put together a sustainable plan that the Nigerian small farmers can adopt. He also suggested that the Center looks into expanding its goat production in light of the “food renaissance” in the country with changing demographics and high demand for goat meat. Goats can also be used to keep landscape clean while producing meat to ethnic restaurants.

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SU Ag Center’s Back-to-School Summit Highly Inspirational

Students arrive at Coliseum

Dr. Burke welcomes students

Students gathering health information

Dr. Truth addresses audience

Baton Rouge, LA – Today in Lafayette, the Southern University Ag Center welcomed students, faculty and staff from schools in Avoyelles, Evangeline, Lafayette, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermillion Parishes to its 13^th Back-to-School Summit for 8^th graders at the Blackham Coliseum.  The theme for this year’s event was “Reach for the Star in You!” Danna Andrus "Dr. Truth" served as Keynote speaker; other speakers included Kwame I. Asanté, Attorney and Mentor; Byron Starks, Coach and Mentor; and Den Hussey, Motivational Speaker served as MC. Highlights included a surprise visit by Mini and Mickey Mouse, and zydeco performance by Leon Chavis, recording artist. Also prominent at the event were welcoming greetings by Senator Elbert Guillory, LA State District 24; and Chancellor Leodrey Williams of the SU Ag Center. 

Michael D. Jackson, retired NFL (Baltimore Ravens) Wide Receiver, stated in his presentation that “wisdom is the application of acquired knowledge.” He further emphasized to the students, the importance of listening to teachers and applying the information to set goals, aim high and reach for the stars.

Almost three thousand student attendees received informational brochures along with school supplies from various agencies while learning from motivational speakers and video presentations.  Topics of discussion included a wide range of healthy living tips, from sexual conduct to drug abuse. The goal of the program is to give young people health alternative choices in life. The program targets eighth-graders because they are on the edge of becoming teenagers. Also in attendance were participating agencies and programs from around surrounding parishes that turned out to show their support.

This annual summit is organized by the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives, the satellite arm of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, under the leadership of Dr. Wanda Burke.  Its mission is to improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of citizens in rural communities within a ten-parish region of Southwest Louisiana. The Center, located in Opelousas, performs functions consistent with the SU Ag Center’s mission of conducting basic and applied research and disseminating information to the citizens of Louisiana.

For further details, please contact Wanda Burke at 225-771-5184 or (337) 943-2410; via email at wanda_burke@suagcenter.com

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USDA: food insecurity in the US

Baton Rouge, LA- On Sept. 4, 2013, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a statement about Household Food Security in the United States as of 2012, based on the USDA Economic Research Service analysis. The report underscores the importance of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that have helped keep food insecurity from rising, even during the economic recession. Vilsack vouched that “…USDA will continue to deliver a strong nutrition program with an error rate that is at a historic low."

This fall, the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s Nutrition and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAPEd) team is implementing gardens across the state. Residents of Avoyelles, St. Landry, Evangeline, East Baton Rouge, East and West Carroll Parishes are among those using the program to reduce food insecurity. Each garden is tied into Nutrition Education classes encouraging youth and adults to each fresh produce, especially to grow the fruits and vegetables by themselves.

The SNAP program at SU Ag Center is led by De’Shoin York-Friendship.  For further details, contact Friendship at 225-771-2582 or via email deshoin_york@suagcenter.com.

The ERS’s definition: “Food security means access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.” An estimated 14.5 percent of American households were food insecure at least some time during the year in 2012, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. For the full story, follow the link to read Household Food Security in the United States.

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SU Ag Center’s Back-to-School Summit is just one week away

2012 summit

Baton Rouge, LA - The Family & Youth Development Program at Southern University Ag Center will hold its 13^th Back-to-School Summit for 8^th graders on September 12, 2013, 8:30 am-1:00 pm at the Blackham Coliseum, 2330 Johnston Street, Lafayette. The theme for this year’s event is “Reach for the Star in You!” Featured speakers include Danna Andrus "Dr. Truth"; Kwame I. Asanté, Attorney and Mentor; Byron Starks, Coach and Mentor; and Den Hussey, Motivational Speaker.

Participants will receive informational brochures along with school supplies from various agencies while learning from motivational speakers and video presentations.  Topics of discussion include a wide range of healthy living tips, from sexual conduct to drug abuse. The goal of the program is to give young people health alternative choices in life. The program targets eighth-graders because they are on the edge of becoming teenagers.

The Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives which organizes this annual event is the satellite arm of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.  Its mission is to improve the socioeconomic well-being of citizens in rural communities within a ten-parish region of Southwest Louisiana. The Center, located in Opelousas, performs functions consistent with the SU Ag Center’s mission of conducting basic and applied research and disseminating information to the citizens of Louisiana.

For further details, please contact Wanda Burke at 225-771-5184 or (337) 943-2410; via email at wanda_burke@suagcenter.com

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SU Ag Center, LABEST to hold asset building advocacy training and listening session

Event flyer

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Center for Rural and Small Business Development in the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and the Louisiana Building Economic Security Together (LABEST) will hold an advocacy training and listening session at 9 a.m. Saturday, August 24 at the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives, 1209 Diesi Street, Opelousas, LA.

                                                           

Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss obstacles that are preventing them and their communities from being able to build assets and gain personal wealth. They will also be trained on ways to advocate in support or against laws that directly affect social protection programs for low-income families.

Registration, which is free, is required and can be completed by contacting LaKeeshia Giddens at 225-771-2160 or Eual Hall at 225-771-4105.

LABEST is a collaboration compromised of grass roots, non-profit and advocacy organizations, policy makers, community leaders and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their goal is to help a broad population of Louisiana residents achieve financial independence by identifying policies, promoting advocacy awareness and empowering constituents to build economic security over a lifetime.

For additional information about LABEST or this event, please contact LaKeeshia at 225.771.2160.

                                                                                                                        

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Writer: LaKeeshia Giddens, 225.771.2160 or lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com.

Media contact: Bridget Udoh, 225.771.5714 or bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Appoints Dr. Abdollahi to National Advisory Council in Urban Forestry

Dr. Kamran Abdollahi

Baton Rouge, LA – On July 22, 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed Dr. Kamran Abdollahi, Urban Forestry Program Leader at Southern University Ag Center to the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) representing the interest area of Academic Institutions with an expertise in Urban and Community Forestry Activities. Dr. Abdollahi, whose appointment will stand for two years, is a professor of Urban Forestry at the SU Ag Center and also serves as Professor/Program Leader in Urban Forestry on SU Baton Rouge campus.  

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council is an appointed advisory council by the Secretary of Agriculture on urban forestry and related issues. The 1990 Farm Bill created NUCFAC to bring together a wide variety of voices raised about a common concern: the present health and future preservation of America's urban forests. NUCFAC was founded to synthesize the full spectrum of views into a consistent vision, as a foundation for practical policy on urban forestry.

For a full list of current NUCFAC members, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac.html

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SU Ag Center Official to Serve on Global Economic Development Forum Panel

flyer

Forum focused on Doing Business in Africa

Baton Rouge, LA - Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Research, Dr. Adell Brown will serve as panelist on the Global Economic Development Forum on August 23 in Washington, DC.

Louisiana Connection is organizing a “Doing Business in Africa Summit 2013” in Washington, DC, August 22-26 at the Grand Hyatt Washington in conjunction with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Events include tours, panel discussions, SCLC Conference/LA Legislative Town Hall Meeting on the 23^rd, and March on Washington, August 24. The Panel Discussion on which Dr. Brown will serve is entitled, Global Economic Development: Doing Business in Africa.

The purpose of the summit is to provide an opportunity for African governmental officials to interact directly with business leaders in an effort to help promote, facilitate and generate trade between US-based companies and African countries.  The initiative emanated from Dr. Martin Luther King’s advocacy for freedom and equality among minorities and the underserved.  An essential element of that vision is economic freedom.  In recent years, provocative and innovative investors have benefitted greatly from engaging the global economy concept.  The summit will greatly enhance business opportunities for minorities and ensure the attainment of MLK’s vision on economic freedom.

The highlight of this 55^th Annual Louisiana/Southern Christian Leadership Connection Conference will be the March on Washington, August 24 since this year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Walk on Washington.

Africa has a population of more than 980 million people and a potential market for agricultural, technological and the public sectors.  This summit will help business leaders take a maximum advantage of this lucrative international trade opportunity.  The summit will provide vital information on “How to do Business in Africa.”

The Panelists for the Global Economic Development Forum are: Mrs. Carol Moore, US Trade, Jackson, Mississippi; Mr. Samuel Banks, Miracle Landing LLC, Atlanta, Georgia; Honorable Eugene Grant, Mayor Seat Pleasant, Maryland; Honorable Herbert Martin, Former Manager Cameroon Development; Corporation, The Republic of Cameroon; Felipe D. Wright, CEO eWaste Tech Systems, LLC; Dr. Adell Brown, Exec Vice Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor for Research, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center; and Honorable J Myles Riley, President and CEO, j Riley Consulting Group, LLC.

The Pitts Riley Group LLC and J. Riley Consulting Group LLC were selected to handle this important Louisiana Business Connection event as a part of the Louisiana-Southern Christian Leadership Conference Connection hosted by Chairman, SCLC National Officer and Louisiana Legislator, Rep. Randall Gaines and C-Chairman, Dr. Lue Russell, Johnny Riley, former Assistant Secretary to the State of Louisiana Department of Labor from 2008-2012, is a strong advocate of increasing trade and direct investment between the United States and Africa.  He and his executive team at the Pitts Riley Group LLC and J Riley Consulting Group LLC are instrumental in developing business relationships with several African nations and US Based companies.

For further detail, contact Dr. Lue Russell at 985-974-3752 or Fax: 985-340-8965 or Email: luerussell@gmail.com

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Correction: Vote now for the Jaguars in College Colors Day Competition

logo

Baton Rouge, LA, – Southern  University and A&M College is participating in the second annual College Colors Day spirit competition and is asking for fan support to help win the national Spirit Cup award, which includes $10,000 toward the general scholarship fund. Show your SU Jaguar Nation allegiance by wearing blue and gold on Friday, August 30, 2013 College Colors Day.

You can pledge allegiance to the Jags by voting once per day, August 12- 29. 

This year, 160 Colleges and Universities are vying to be Crowned Winners of the College Colors Day Spirit Cup. The school with the most pledges will be declared winner of the 2013 College Colors Day Spirit Cup. Let the countdown to College Colors Day and the kickoff of college football season begin!

Fans can vote once each day and can check who is winning the competition nationally and within each conference. The winner will be announced on College Colors Day on Friday, August 30.

College Colors Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that embody the college experience by encouraging fans across America to wear their favorite college or university apparel throughout the day on August 30.

The national spirit competition is presented by The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG College, and NCAA Football.

#CollegeColors

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Vote now for the Jaguars in College Colors Day Competition

Baton Rouge, LA, – Southern  University and A&M College is participating in the second annual College Colors Day spirit competition and is asking for fan support to help win the national Spirit Cup award, which includes $10,000 toward the general scholarship fund. Show your SU Jaguar Nation allegiance by wearing blue and gold on Friday, August 30, 2013 College Colors Day.

The competition began today and runs through Thursday, August 29. You can pledge allegiance to the Jags by voting once per day. This year, 160 Colleges and Universities are vying to be Crowned Winners of the College Colors Day Spirit Cup. The school with the most pledges will be declared winner of the 2013 College Colors Day Spirit Cup. Let the countdown to College Colors Day and the kickoff of college football season begin!

Follow these steps to vote: click on link; “Enter Now” red button; complete required fields to continue; Register, Pledge Now, select Southern Jaguars from drop down button; “pledge now.”  You are set to vote every day following that.  Just click on the link, and connect via Facebook or the email used to register, and vote daily until August 29.  Go Jaguars!

By visiting facebook.com/collegecolorsday, Jaguar fans can register to vote for Southern as the school with the most college spirit and loyal fan base. After placing a vote, fans will have the opportunity to win prizes and discounts through an instant win game, view and submit photos to the College Colors Day fan photo gallery, and download a custom Facebook cover photo promoting Southern for College Colors Day.

Fans can vote once each day and can check who is winning the competition nationally and within each conference. The winner will be announced on College Colors Day on Friday, August 30.
College Colors Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that embody the college experience by encouraging fans across America to wear their favorite college or university apparel throughout the day on August 30.

The national spirit competition is presented by The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), a division of IMG College, and NCAA Football.

#CollegeColors

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SU Ag Center Professor Emeritus Speaks at Farm to Table International Symposium

Dr. Bandele

Baton Rouge, LA – Dr. Owusu Bandele, Professor Emeritus at the Southern University Ag Center was in the midst of food lovers, food scientists, agriculture experts, farmers, chefs and food writers gathered at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans for the first Farm to Table International Symposium, Aug. 2-4.

A panel on food justice, which included Professor Owusu Bandele, moderated by Mike Kantor of the Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans, aimed to illuminate critical issues involving equal access to fresh and nutritious ingredients.

Bandele highlighted Southern University’s agriculture programs that work to introduce a new generation to land cultivation and healthy ingredients through community gardens, farmer’s markets and education. He is quoted as stating that “It’s easy to focus on the negative, but it’s more important to think about the positive change we can bring to our communities when it comes to food and agriculture.”

The event organized by the convention center and the Southern Food and Beverage Institute included major speeches, food demonstrations and panels. One of the panels focused on food security was led by Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Forestry. The Symposium was covered by The Advocate in the People section on August 08, 2013.

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Southern University Ag Center helps enhance student recruitment

Students and mentors interact 

Baton Rouge, LA –The Southern University College of Sciences and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research and Extension Center, welcomed incoming freshmen to Southern University, Baton Rouge on August 8, 2013 through a USDA/NIFA funded grant titled “JAGS in AG: Recruitment, Exploration, and Retention.” The project’s goal is to expose SU students to available careers in food and agricultural sciences. Dr. Renita Marshall, Associate Professor, serves as the Project Director with co-PDs Dr. Rawls, Associate Research Director, Dr. Kenyetta Smith, Extension Specialist and Dr. Gary Simon, DVM.

The JAGS in AG: Recruitment, Exploration, and Retention project provides experiential hands-on learning activities for freshman and sophomore students at Southern University in an attempt to expose them to careers in Food and Agricultural Sciences. Each project participant receives a stipend of $1,000 for each semester - fall, spring and summer. This project is designed to increase the number of minority students at the collegiate level in Food and Agricultural Sciences using innovative approaches to address academic inadequacies of students, allowing them an opportunity to pursue degrees in food and agricultural sciences. High school seniors as well as freshmen and sophomores enrolled at Southern University, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 are eligible to apply for participation in the project. A maximum of 15 students is selected to participate in this year’s program. A website that can be downloaded onto mobile devices is available at www.jagsinag.org. This site will be updated as the project progresses.

For further details, please contact Dr. Renita Marshall at 225-771-0252 or via email renital_marsshall@suagcenter.com

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Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Releases Mentoring Video

Baton Rouge, LA - The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center has released a “Video Mentor” for new and aspiring faculty members. The purpose of the video entitled Navigating the Academic Hierarchy is to educate new and aspiring faculty members on the basic principles that drive institutions of higher learning.  The video features highly respected faculty members and administrators of several different Louisiana Universities. The video is available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjWZuw52ae8&feature=share&list=UU45N2zrbZ_hgJc53ANcAyAg .

Featuring (In Order of Appearance)

Dr. Walter Kimbrough

President - Dillard University

Dr. Renita Marshall

Assoc. Professor- Southern University

Dr. Adell Brown

Executive Vice- Chancellor for Research-Southern University Ag Center

Dr. Roland Mitchell

Assoc. Professor – Louisiana State University

Dr. Linda Benedict

Assoc. Director, Office of Communications-Louisiana State University Ag Center

Dr. Andra Johnson

Assoc. Professor-Southern University

For further information please contact Charisma Deberry at 225-771-6236 or charisma_deberry@suagcenter.com

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SU Ag Center’s Kit Chin publishes scientific research in international magazine

Dr. Kit Chin

Baton Rouge, LA –Kit Chin, professor, horticulture at SU Ag Center has been published in an international magazine - International Innovation.  His research article on the health implication of hibiscus is on page 50-52 of the August 2013 issue of the magazine.  Dr. Chin is an avid researcher who aims to assess the viability of the roselle plant as a crop for farmers in Louisiana. In the article, Chin discusses the importance of collaboration and the significance of his work with Roselle hibiscus, which has a number of positive attributes making it an ideal candidate for a functional food crop among small farmers for obvious reasons.  “It is easy to grow; it has demonstrated medicinal properties (a niche factor for marketing) and can fetch high market price; there is no fresh roselle hibiscus produce (calyces and leaves) currently available in the US; it is versatile for a number of uses; and has a worldwide demand,” said Chin. Click here for a PDF version of the article.

In discussing the healing power of hibiscus, Chin says his inspiration for the research arose from an increased demand for natural foods to mitigate human chronic diseases such as cancer. He added that some shortcomings of growing hibiscus include precision in harvesting time, and great manpower demand in harvesting and peeling the calyces to prevent mildew disease during storage. However, he plans to overcome harvesting and handling challenges by continuous variety selection process to ensure the best adaptable cultivars that will help his research. His method of improving awareness of the Roselle hibiscus to the public includes utilizing the Southern University Ag Center website, social media, national TV broadcast, the Louisiana Farm Bureau (This Week in Louisiana Agriculture) TV program, field days, and the annual SU Legislative Day at the Capitol.

Dr. Chin states that in the long run, the wider importance of his research will impact small farmers as well as the state’s economy. He sees potential in Louisiana small farmers adopting Roselle hibiscus as a functional food crop; emergence of hibiscus-related products industry expanding to include other plants for producing wines and beverages; and growing into other value-added products. “The research can help to promote market enterprises for small, limited-resource farms and develop new product industry in Louisiana.  I can also foresee roselle hibiscus playing a significant role in the nutritional supplement market,” Chin said.

The research project is multidisciplinary and multi-institutional in nature, utilizing the various expertise of the collaborators to effectively and efficiently achieve common research goals with minimum expenses. This approach also helps to build SU Ag Center’s research capability credentials. Primary partners in this USDA/NIFA funded initiative include Rutgers University, West Virginia State University, and USDA Agricultural Research Service. The SU Ag Center project team consists of Drs. Yadong Qi, Sebhatu Gebrelul, Renita Marshall, Fatemeh Malekian and Adell Brown. The project was funded in 2009 by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

In the publication, Dr. Chin also responses to the question concerning his opinion on the effect of climate change on his research. He anticipated that plants will adapt in the long run to climate changes and probably result in evolving of new genetic plant species.

Published by Research Media Ltd., International Innovation is the leading global dissemination resource for the wider scientific, technology and research communities, dedicated to disseminating the latest science, research and technological innovations on a global level. More information and a complimentary subscription offer to the publication can be found at: http://www.international-innovation-northamerica.com. 

For additional information on how to grow hibiscus in your garden or farm, please contact Dr. Kit Chin at 225-771-0068 or kit_chin@suagcenter.com

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