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LSU Ag Center agent: Plaquemines citrus groves sharply reduced; replanting to take years
Summary
Anna Timmerman of the LSU Ag Center told the council that Plaquemines once had about 1.5 million citrus trees but now has only about 5,000–6,000 mature trees; replanting and recovery will take roughly four to five years and requires grant support and removal of derelict trees.
Anna Timmerman, the LSU Ag Center A&R agent for Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes, briefed the council on the state of the local citrus industry. "Historically there has been 1.5 million citrus trees in Plaquemines Parish. Currently there are 5,000-6,000 mature trees in the Parish and replanting takes 4-5 years," she told the council.
Timmerman said growers are replacing trees with cold‑hardy cultivars and that the USDA and FSA have been working to increase payout levels to support recovery. She said recent work with Raymund Ferrer has focused on removing derelict trees and that the Ag Center has been submitting multiple grant applications to support replanting and other recovery activities.
Timmerman is identified in the minutes as the A&R agent in Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes and as soon to be Parish Chair for the Ag Center. The presentation contained no formal council action; council members moved on to the next agenda items after the briefing.
