From rice to renewables, Acadia Parish is emerging as a leader in energy, agriculture, and innovation.
The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, in collaboration with the Acadia Parish Police Jury, is proud to support projects that strengthen our economy, create high-quality jobs, and position Acadia Parish as a forward-thinking destination for investment.
Here’s a look at the major momentum driving growth across our region:
Crowley-based Falcon Rice Mill, home to Cajun Country Rice, is undergoing a $6 million renovation that will double production capacity, improve energy efficiency, eliminate production bottlenecks, and create 16 new jobs.
The improvements, which began in December and continue through this year, include new milling and packing equipment, expanded storage, and upgrades to streamline operations. Falcon’s application to Louisiana Economic Development’s Enterprise Zone program and the Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) reflects the company’s commitment to growing its business while expanding opportunities for local workers. “The mill is the last piece of the puzzle, and we are excited about this project,” said Robert Trahan, second-generation co-owner.
Green Fuels Operating, a subsidiary of Clean Refineries Inc., is launching a groundbreaking net-zero emission diesel and bunker fuel refinery at the site of the former Evangeline Processing Facility, just off the Mermentau River and Highway 90. This $110 million investment is a first for the company in Louisiana—and a major win for Acadia Parish.
The facility will produce low-carbon, advanced transportation fuels using Green Fuels’ patented net-zero emissions refining process. It will process up to 20,000 barrels per day in a closed-loop system that minimizes energy use and environmental risks, while also meeting or exceeding U.S. emissions standards.
The site will include:
- A low-pressure, low-temperature hydrocarbon processing system
- A full-scale waste and stormwater treatment system
- A new pipeline connection, bringing oil and gas back to the region
- High-wage job creation with an average annual salary of $80,000
This project will reuse an abandoned facility, reconnect Acadia Parish to Louisiana’s energy corridor, and revive the area’s industrial footprint. Once complete, it will be a full-line answer to the problem of building new refineries under modern environmental constraints.“That’s why we’re so excited—there are so many people that want us to be here,” said Green Fuels CEO Derik Williamson. “This is the safest and cleanest way to refine fuels in the U.S.”
The project has drawn widespread praise from residents, parish officials, and industry leaders—including the Acadia Parish Police Jury, Chamber/EDO, and neighboring landowners—who have applauded the company’s outreach, transparency, and commitment to hiring locally.
Another innovative energy investment is underway at the Acadia Parish Landfill, where Renewable Natural Gas Partners (RNGP) is working in partnership with the Acadia Parish Police Jury to design, build, and operate a landfill gas collection and control system (GCCS).
This system will capture methane emissions and upgrade them for injection into the national natural gas pipeline—creating renewable energy from waste. RNGP’s scope includes the full build-out of upgrading equipment and pipeline interconnection infrastructure.
Together, these projects represent over $120 million in direct investment and dozens of quality, high-paying jobs in Acadia Parish. From agriculture and renewable fuels to infrastructure and environmental sustainability, the impact is local, long-lasting, and transformative.
None of this progress would be possible without the shared commitment of local leaders. The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development works hand-in-hand with the Acadia Parish Police Jury and all of our elected officials to support strategic investment, navigate incentive programs, and align infrastructure with community needs. As Chamber President & CEO Elizabeth Miller notes, “Acadia Parish is proving that rural communities can lead in both innovation and tradition. From long-standing agricultural investments like Falcon Rice to cutting-edge clean energy projects like Green Fuels and RNGP, we’re seeing the direct result of proactive partnerships and a business-friendly approach. These investments don’t just create jobs—they create momentum, optimism, and long-term value for our region.”
This spirit of collaboration is echoed by Police Jury President Beau Petitjean: “Your Police Jury is working every day to bring industry into this parish so that our residents can have greater opportunities. It’s rare that you can bring industry and jobs into the Parish, while also protecting our land, our waters, and our future. We aren’t just working on bettering the parish – Acadia is setting the standard.”
Together, these efforts are building a stronger, more resilient Acadia Parish—where innovation and community go hand in hand.
For more information on these projects or to explore how you can invest in Acadia Parish, contact the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Office or visit www.acadiaparishchamber.org .
