Monsanto President and Chief Operating Officer Brett Begemann and Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Monsanto's preliminary investment in an expansion of its St. Charles Parish operations in Luling. Pending a final investment decision by the company board in early 2016, Monsanto potentially could invest more than $1 billion over the course of three to five years to support its Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System.

The production of branded crop protection products, including the active ingredient dicamba, at Monsanto’s Luling site is expected to play an important role in helping farmers produce better harvests and meet the global demand for food. With initial use in soybean and cotton crops, the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System dicamba-based products are targeting application across the Americas.

“We have a long and successful partnership with St. Charles Parish and Louisiana,” Begemann said. “Our Luling facility is a logical site uniquely positioned at the center of Monsanto’s manufacturing network, with convenient access across the Americas where the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System has a fit. The state’s highly skilled workforce and business-friendly environment also put Louisiana at the top of our list for this potential expansion.”

In addition to retaining 645 current jobs at the site, the project would create 95 new direct jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project would result in an additional 450 new indirect jobs in the state, for a total of more than 540 new jobs. The company estimates development of the project would generate 1,000 construction jobs at peak building activity.

Governor Jindal said, “Monsanto has pursued a successful strategy of growth, diversification and sustainability in its production of agricultural products in our state. We’re proud that this global leader in agriculture has chosen Louisiana over other states and nations for this potential project. Monsanto’s selection of Louisiana speaks to the company’s confidence in our state as an outstanding business climate. This investment not only would retain hundreds of valuable jobs in our state but provide many more great career opportunities for Louisiana families.”