About the Program

South Carolina's Palmetto Leadership Program for the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (PLEAF) is a two-year intensive academic, experiential learning and networking curriculum designed to facilitate personal and professional growth and success, while sharpening character and leadership skills for each participant. PLEAF is housed and directed by Clemson University's College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS), Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and the Public Service and Agriculture Division in conjunction with key program related cooperating partners.

PLEAF candidates are the brightest and best of South Carolina's current and future leaders engaged in the industries of agriculture, forestry and all aspects of stewarding of our state's natural resources and environment.

Participants in this leadership program can expect to:

Gain insight from highly respected and distinguished professionals/leaders.
Network with successful private and public sector influencers and difference-makers in related industries and organizations from across the state.
Receive exposure to related industries in neighboring states.
Discover, integrate and apply principle-based leadership skills and strategies to achieve work/life balance and success.
Practice being a leader by completing a self-selected practicum project designed to make a difference in their sphere of influence.
Upon completion of the Palmetto LEAF program, graduates will have a comprehensive set of tools, experiences and contacts which will allow them to lead in their community, county, state, nation and within their industry.

Participants will be chosen based on their leadership potential, career stage and characteristics such as communication skills, integrity, growth potential and analytical skills.

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Louisiana Agriculture Facts

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Louisiana Agriculture Facts *

  • produces 25% of all seafood in our country? Louisiana is #1 in producing crawfish, shrimp, alligator and oysters.

  • Louisiana has many commodities. These are some of the top producing ones in the state.

    • Louisiana forestlands cover 48% of the state. That is 14 million acres. It is the #1 crop in Louisiana.

    • Soybeans: Did you know that Soybeans are used to make crayons? 1 acre can make 82,368 crayons!

    • Rice: Louisiana is the 3rd largest state to produce rice.

    • Sugarcane: Louisiana has harvested sugarcane for over 200 years. Sugarcane has 30 teaspoons of sugar & 6 teaspoons of molasses.

    • Cotton: The world uses cotton more than any other fiber. The invention of the cotton gin helped in the harvesting of the crop.

    • Sweet Potatoes: This crop dates back as far as the 1500’s but did become popular until after WW 1. The Beauregard variety was developed in 1987 for Louisiana’s unique soil and climate.

    • Louisiana’s state capital building is the tallest one in the USA.

    • The original La territory purchased in 1803 is now divided into 13 states.

    • Baton Rouge is the site of the only battle outside the 13 colonies during the Revolutionary War.

    • Louisiana has Parishes not Counties.

    • Louisiana is known as “the boot” due to the shape. It also looks like an L (geaux LSU)

    • New Orleans is 8 feet below sea level.

    • Conrad Rice Mill is the oldest owned rice mill in the country still being operated. It is located in New Iberia.

    • The Causeway bridge over Lake Ponchartrain is the longest continuous bridge over water.

    • The Brown Pelican is the state bird. The Magnolia is the state flower. The insect is a honey bee and the Catahoula leopard dog is the state dog.