Food Manufacturing

Terrebonne Parish is one of the leading regions in the United States for the harvesting of shrimp, oysters, and other aquaculture products, and has a significant base of sugar cane farming.

U.S. consumers are shifting towards healthy, fresh, organic, local and ready-to-eat. Terrebonne Parish’s combination of a strong base of aquaculture and agriculture products, and access to major U.S. markets makes it a strong competitor in this arena.

Growth in this target will be bolstered by the presence of the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University, which is the only four-year culinary program in the state that offers a bachelor’s degree. This program produces about 50 four-year graduates and associate graduates per year. In preparation for careers in the culinary arts, the public school system teaches the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s ProStart curriculum and ServSafe.

Terrebonne’s rich history of regional cuisine and proximity to the world-class restaurant scene in New Orleans also makes it a logical location for niche food manufacturers, caterers and other high-end food services.

Assets:

• Centrally located to serve regional and national markets
• General aviation airport capable of handling corporate aircraft
• Quality of labor-management relations
• Availability of post-secondary vocational training
• Availability of on-the-job training assistance
• John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University
• Availability of locally raised products for food processing
• Rich history of culinary activity in the surrounding area
• Ample availability of water and sewer infrastructure
• Availability of tax credits, incentives, and low-interest loans
• Availability of labor training incentives
• Low rate of unionization in the local labor market
• Potential to sustain and add value to local base of aquacultural and agricultural activity
• An existing local pool of high-demand occupations 
• Quality of place assets: availability of all types of housing, low cost of living, cultural activity, recreational opportunities and medical facilities