The Rice Research Station is located in Acadia Parish in south central Louisiana, about 2 miles east of Crowley. It is one of 17 research stations operated by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center through its research arm, the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station.  Initially, research programs were developed to improved rice varieties and to identify cultural practices required to enhance production and maintain a viable rice industry in the state. For more than 80 years, the main thrust of research efforts continues to be varietal improvement and the development of agronomic management practices that increase production and maintain profitability.  Research at the Rice Research Station is conducted cooperatively by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station and the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Current research programs include breeding, biotechnology, variety testing, production and distribution of foundation seed, fertilization, soil and water management, cultural practices, weed control, insect control, disease investigations, rice drying, bird control in rice, and rice physiology studies. Forages and crops grown in rotation with rice are also evaluated. Aquaculture research emphasis is mainly on double cropping of crawfish with rice.  Although most of the research is conducted by members of the Rice Station staff, several Experiment Station staff members from Baton Rouge also conduct research at this station. The research activities include both fundamental and applied research, although the latter predominates due to the applied-orientated mission of the Rice Research Station.  The programs of the Rice Research Station will continue to make important contributions to the economic development of Louisiana.