- About
- LDAF Boards and Commissions
- Programs
- Animal Health
- Forestry
- Agro-Consumer Services
- Industrial Hemp
- Medical Marijuana
- Indian Creek Recreation Area
- Quick Guide
- Pay Online
- Calendar
NEWS
New Orleans Cold Storage Expansion Boosts Agriculture Industry
July 19, 2012
New Orleans, LA (July 19, 2012) – Today, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., participated in the opening of the newly expanded 142,000 square foot cold storage warehouse at the Port of New Orleans.
Strain said, "With Louisiana being a major poultry producer, the expansion of New Orleans Cold Storage (NOCS) will ensure Louisiana products stay fresher and ready for market.” Strain added, “From an economic standpoint, this facility provides jobs to residents, keeps our poultry industry valued at more than $1.6 billion dollars and it benefits our ports. Agriculture is one of the biggest industries in our state. We will continue to support our farmers and the industry that feeds our people."
NOCS faced many challenges following Hurricane Katrina and operations were scaled back when the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO) closed. The warehouse is located at the Henry Clay Street Wharf.
Strain was instrumental in securing $10 million in disaster funding from the Community Development Block Grant program for the NOCS expansion. The total cost of the expansion was $40 million. “This is now the largest cold storage facility in America. It can store and freeze millions of pounds of perishable commodities and it’s a major exporter of meat products. Maintaining this business in Louisiana supports our efforts to bring back communities after devastating circumstances such as Katrina.” NOCS will bring approximately 125 new jobs to the New Orleans area.
Agriculture is a nearly 10.7 billion dollar a year industry in the State of Louisiana.