The Port of South Louisiana is pleased that Monsanto, which is located in the port district, has announced their decision to potentially invest $1 billion in an expansion of its plant in Luling, Louisiana. “This expansion illustrates, once again, the vitality of industries located within the Port of South Louisiana,” said Paul Aucoin, Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Director. “We welcome the potential of 95 new direct jobs [with an average salary of $76,000 per year plus benefits]. It would be a great win for the residents of the River Region.” If the expansion proceeds as planned, it would be the second expansion project for Monsanto’s St. Charles Parish plant within the last five years. In 2010, the site completed a $196 million expansion which added 26 new direct jobs (and 166 indirect jobs). Within the same time span, Air Products and Hexion established production facilities within Monsanto to supply raw materials for its operations. Monsanto’s potential expansion will support its Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System, predicted to be a vital element in helping farmers produce hardier harvests in the efforts to meet global food demand.