(The Center Square) – Louisiana will receive more than $461,000 in federal funding for nine specialty crop projects, including agricultural research, a new state branding initiative and a high school beekeeping program.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, announced the federal grant Friday. The department provided The Center Square with a breakdown of the nine projects, their budgets and details on project selection and oversight.

About $424,557 will go toward the nine projects, while Agriculture and Forestry will receive $36,918 for grant administration, roughly 8% of the total award.

All projects must be completed before Sept. 29, 2029. Each project’s lead investigator must submit progress reports at least annually, according to Agriculture and Forestry. The department will review and compile the results for USDA’s final review.

The largest individual award, $72,879, will fund a new Certified Louisiana Specialty Crop designation and a statewide consumer education campaign. The department plans to develop branding, secure trademark protection, produce 10 educational “Myth Busters” videos and distribute promotional materials through retailers, events and digital channels.

Another $40,000 will go to Agriculture and Forestry’s Office of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for a beekeeping apprenticeship program involving high school agriculture programs. The project will provide equipment and supplies to teach students to raise bees and produce honey, addressing what the department describes as a declining Louisiana beekeeping industry.

Five LSU AgCenter projects will receive a combined $206,188 for research involving crop damage, production and food safety.

At the Hammond Research Station, researchers will use $23,471 to test five strategies for reducing deer damage to vegetables, small fruits, nursery plants and orchard crops. The work will assess effectiveness and economic viability, including fencing, electric deterrents, repellents and combinations of those approaches.

A $17,911 citrus project will test insect-excluding protective covers intended to prevent exposure to the insect that spreads citrus greening. Researchers will measure infection rates one and two years after planting and evaluate protection during hurricanes and freezes.

Another $56,200 will support trials of pecan varieties suited to production systems requiring fewer inputs. Two additional awards, totaling $108,606, will fund development of an edible antimicrobial spray and a moisture-absorbent antimicrobial packaging pad intended to reduce contamination and extend produce shelf life.

The Louisiana Mayhaw Association in Columbia will receive $57,900 to install weather-monitoring systems at orchards and combine environmental data with growers’ observations of blooming and fruit development. Findings will be shared publicly to help producers assess weather risks.

The Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance will receive $47,590 for regional marketing, farmers market programs and development of a new specialty crop retail outlet in the Greater Baton Rouge area.

“Louisiana's specialty crop producers contribute to the diversity and strength of our state's agricultural industry,” Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said. “This funding will help support research, promote Louisiana-grown products and provide educational opportunities that benefit our producers and consumers.”

Agriculture and Forestry said a technical review committee evaluated applications and recommended funding based on program priorities and project merit. Reviewers included university faculty and industry professionals with expertise in agricultural research, finance, marketing and program administration.

The Louisiana award is part of $86.6 million USDA announced for approximately 609 projects nationwide and in American territories.