WATCH: Why West Bank residents support the Greenfield Grain Elevator. 

Today marks an important step forward for the Greenfield Grain Export Facility project. We are pleased that the St. John the Baptist Parish Council has accepted the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the proposed site of the project. Greenfield appreciates the transparent process led by the Parish Council. Moreover, we appreciate the residents of the Westbank community. Their voices of support are opening pathways to revitalization that can coexist with existing tourism-based businesses. Thank you for your vocal support. Together, we are committed to taking the parish into a safer, greener, and more prosperous future.

Greenfield Louisiana joins St. John the Baptist Parish and the nation in celebrating this important day of freedom and reflection. As we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved individuals, let us continue to strive for a future rooted in equality and justice.

Kyle J. Connor Letter to the Editor As the past president of the Loyola University Alumni Association— the first African American to hold that role— I began advising the Greenfield Louisiana grain export facility because I believe it can play a vital role in ensuring the historical and cultural preservation of our region, while also bringing environmental, economic and agricultural security to the West Bank . My many meetings with West Bank residents has confirmed how beneficial this project is to the prosperity of St. John the Baptist Parish families. Greenfield’s mission is to improve the environmental conditions of the community by building a state-of-the-art facility that uses upgraded and safe technology to be the cleanest grain export facility in North America . The facility will outperform current and future environmental and safety standards , and it will be better for the environment than the current sugar farming happening on the site. Preserving our cultural heritage in the region is very important to me . Cultural research surveys have not identified unmarked graves on the site. Prior to construction Greenfield will conduct additional surveys to identify any potential unmarked grave sites and when construction begins, we have a protocol in place to ensure that if any historic artifacts are found they are handled responsibly by the proper authorities.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Greenfield Louisiana LLC donated $5,000 each to two recent community food distributions hosted by Harvest Time Christian Center and the St. John Pastors Coalition . Greenfield also deployed volunteers to help out the local clergy at this past weekend’s events. Harvest Time Christian Cultural Center served approximately 350 families with Thanksgiving meal baskets at Juan Anthony Joseph Park in Edgard on Saturday, November 19. On Sunday, November 20, St. John Pastors Coalition reached 1,500 families through its Thanksgiving dinner and food distribution at the church, in addition to making home deliveries to seniors in the parish. “We are so delighted to support Pastor Moll, Pastor Bernard and their congregations. These families are our neighbors , too, and Greenfield is here to support them—especially around the holidays ,” said Tanisha Marshall , project manager at Greenfield. Continue reading at L'Observateur.

Following a three-week closure that began with an uncertain future, the 1811/Kid Ory Historic House is reopening to the public as a nonprofit. A press conference held on the historic grounds Wednesday morning celebrated a key partnership with Greenfield Louisiana LLC that made the reopening possible . The museum is resuming its regular operating hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday beginning October 27. Since opening to the public for the first time in early 2021, the former Andry/Woodland Plantation operated essentially rent-free thanks to the generosity of property owner Timothy Sheehan . Locals and tourists alike were introduced to the site that saw the origin of the largest slave slave rebellion in U.S. history and, later, the rise of jazz pioneer Edward “Kid” Ory . However, expenses became too much to bear as an LLC, especially through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida. When the 1811/Kid Ory Historic House closed its doors on October 1 , museum founder John McCusker said he intended to spend the month of October applying for grants that would provide necessary funding for operations to resume. The groundwork was laid last year when a non-profit was founded as an auxiliary institution to the 1811/Kid Ory Historic House with an eye on them eventually taking over the responsibilities and governance of the museum. According to McCusker, this includes administering programming and grant funding. Key to the creation of the Bonnet Carré Historical Center were Ja’el Gordon , a scholar and early supporter of the museum; Edie Ambrose , a retired professor from Southeastern Louisiana University ; and John Andry , a New Orleans attorney and direct descendent of the man who was killed inside the house on the first night of the 1811 Rebellion. The Bonnet Carré Historical Center was able to secure a $25,000 donation from Greenfield Louisiana LLC , a company seeking permitting to construct a grain elevator on the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish . Tanisha Marshall , project manager at Greenfield Louisiana, said partnering with the 1811’Kid Ory Historic House was a no-brainer. Preserving the history the museum shares is important not only to her as an African American woman, but to the company as well. “A central part of our mission at Greenfield is honoring and preserving the extraordinary heritage of communities in St. John the Baptist Parish . We are so proud to partner with the 1811 Kid Ory Historic House to help them reopen, expand their programming and reach, and we are excited to work with them to better fulfill our own responsibilities as stewards of the land in nearby Wallace,” Marshall said. McCusker said the $25,000 donation was more than a breath of fresh air ; it was oxygen the museum needed to get up and running again. “We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community over the last two months before the closure, and Greenfield stepping up to help us may allow us to become a long-term institution. We would not have that opportunity without them ,” McCusker said. “What they’ve given us is a one-time donation, but we’re hoping, if Greenfield is successful in getting their permit and building the grain elevator, that we can be a resource for them . There’s been a lot of discussion about possible historic sites on the Greenfield footprint, and we will be working in an advisory capacity to figure out what might historically be on a specific spot if they discover something.” Continue reading at L'Observateur.

Greenfield Louisiana this week announced plans to found West Bank Prospers , a new foundation that will invest millions of dollars in new grants to West St. John High School , a new community health clinic , scholarships to River Parishes Community College and more. West Bank Prospers will target its initial $3.85 million in directed grants toward education, job training, community health, local farmers and cultural preservation through $3.85 million in directed grants. That funding will be provided by Greenfield Louisiana, the agriculture business working to build a new state-of-the-art Grain Export Facility on the West Bank, pending final permitting. Greenfield is also committing to donate the first $500,000 of its profits at the export facility every year in perpetuity to the Foundation to direct to additional community priorities. The initial West Bank Prospers board members in the coming weeks, as well as a process for members of the community to join the board and shape its grant-making. Once incorporated, West Bank Prospers will be able to raise funds from other sources and pursue work across the West Bank at the direction of its community board. “In every conversation we have with our neighbors, we’ve heard people’s hopes for a revitalized West Bank. Good jobs are part of that, but so are stronger schools for kids, improved local health care for seniors, workforce training for our young people and helping farmers make ends meet. West Bank Prospers will be an engine for good, driven by this community and for this community,” said Tanisha Marshall , project manager at Greenfield. The West Bank Prospers Foundation’s initial seed funding includes: $1-million, 10-year partnership to fund new learning equipment, technology and curriculum at West St. John High School , including full scholarships to River Parishes Community College for students $1.5 million for the construction and operation of a new community health clinic on the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish $250,000 directed to organizations supporting local farmers in Louisiana $1.1 million for community heritage, scholarship and cultural preservation on the West Bank, as well as the dedication of six acres of land adjacent to the Export Grain Terminal to foster cultural development and historic preservation  Read more at L'Observateur.

On Saturday, August 6, 500 area residents enjoyed a “Back to School Festival” at Juan Anthony Joseph Memorial Park featuring an afternoon of fun and resources for the entire community organized by Greenfield Louisiana , the River Region Chamber of Commerce , Elev8ted Gents and partners. The event featured:  500 school supply packages given out for West St. John students 500 meals served from local vendors Ten COVID-19 vaccinations provided by Ochsner Resources for Survivors of Hurricane Ida provided by Louisiana Spirit Crisis Counseling Program Line dancing with Susan Bailey Music by DJ Child Support The “Back to School Festival” represents Greenfield’s continued commitment to supporting local schools and students as part of their plan to revitalize the community and regional economy, and the facility will provide safe, green and good-paying jobs for the local community. Greenfield Louisiana recently awarded a scholarship to West St. John High School graduate Ja’Ron Minor for two years tuition to River Parishes Community College, a $250 monthly stipend, and an opportunity for employment at the grain elevator once he completes schooling. Greenfield Louisiana is constructing a new state-of-the-art export grain terminal located in Wallace, LA. The facility will help the West Bank transition to a cleaner, more sustainable local economy that builds prosperity while also honoring and protecting the natural, cultural and historic resources of the region . Continue reading at L'Observateur.

"In honor of Juneteenth, Greenfield is announcing its commitment to reserve a parcel of land at our site to commemorate and celebrate the cultural heritage of our neighbors, promote community events, and foster historical scholarship. We want Greenfield to be a new model in the way a business can engage its community. Our Local-First mission is our core value, and it extends beyond the well-paying, safe, green jobs we will bring to Wallace", stated Greenfield Louisiana Chief Operating Officer Cal Williams . "We are continuing to work with residents, thought leaders, and community organizations to develop these plans in a meaningful way. We look forward to sharing more exciting details in the weeks ahead. Happy Juneteenth!"

Statement on the April 28, 2022, decision by the 19th Judicial District Court