History

Jesuit priests introduced sugarcane into South Louisiana in 1751, and now more than 200 years later Sugarcane is a dominant industry contributing $2billion to the Louisiana economy. In addition it has been an integral part of developing the southern economy and culture

 

The first sugarcane varieties grown in 1751 were called the "Noble" canes were brought into Louisiana by Jesuit priests more than 200 years ago. The average yield of sugarcane in the past ranged between 16 and 20 tons per acre and Louisiana state sugar crop averaged around 300,000 tons of sugar per year.

 

Since 1751, sugarcane varieties have been continuously improved through careful trait selection crossing and to produce today’s high quality crops. In today’s modern sugar cane production, crops yield from 30 to 50 tons per acre, with more than 180 to 240 pounds of sugar per ton.