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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Orleans Parish
Orleans Parish sits within the Southern Mississippi River Alluvium (MLRA 131A) region. Elevation averages about -5 feet.
Temperatures in Orleans Parish range from a January mean low of 44°F to a July mean high near 90°F. Annual precipitation averages 63.6 inches.
Orleans Parish ran 48 farms and 171 acres of farmland in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: honey and vegetable seeds.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Louisiana |
| Top Commodities | Vegetables, Floriculture, Honey, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Severe Drought (D2). LFP-eligible for 7+ weeks — check FSA for livestock forage assistance.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Orleans Parish.
NRCS Office (EQIP, CSP, conservation)
1041 Rue La Cannes Dr, Luling, LA 70070
FSA Office (loans, disaster, farm numbers)
151 E 3rd St, Edgard, LA 70049
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Orleans Parish Operations
Based on Orleans Parish's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support urban agriculture initiatives and beginning farmer development in community settings. Environmental quality assistance helps with small-scale sustainable farming practices.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Jefferson Parish, Louisiana and St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Orleans Parish
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Louisiana guide: Louisiana Farm Programs Guide
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