Monsanto plans to expand its St. Charles Parish operations in Luling, Louisiana. 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.

In addition to retaining 645 current jobs at the site, the project would create 95 new direct jobs, said Louisiana Economic Development. 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, LED officials said. 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,” Monsanto President/COO Brett 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.”

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered Monsanto a performance-based Modernization Tax Credit of $5 million, along with a performance-based $1.7 million Economic Development Award Program grant to reimburse rail and electrical infrastructure costs associated with the expansion. The company also would receive the comprehensive solutions of LED FastStart – the nation’s top-ranked state workforce development program. In addition, Monsanto is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

Governor Bobby 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.”

“We are pleased that Monsanto is considering an expansion in St. Charles Parish,” said Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr. “We pride ourselves on having an excellent working relationship with industry in the area, and we welcome the jobs and economic growth that this endeavor would bring to our parish.”