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Title: Rice Breeder
Location: Crowley, H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station
Strategic Goal Focus: Increase agricultural production and enhance the
conservation of Louisiana’s natural resources by developing talent,
technologies, products and practices.
LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso and his team are working to grow better rice —varieties that are healthier, tastier and aligned with modern consumer preferences, while also being high-yielding and pest-resistant. Using advanced genomic tools, they analyze rice DNA to select desirable traits, such as shorter plants that resist lodging and grains with appealing aroma, and accelerate the development of new varieties.
This work helps Louisiana rice farmers stay competitive and profitable. By creating rice that grows well and meets the needs of both farmers and consumers, the program supports local agriculture and strengthens the state’s role in global food production. It also helps ensure that future rice varieties are more resilient, more nutritious and better suited to changing tastes and climates.
“I like the fact that it is a process,” Famoso said. “We’re doing each step of that process every year, so you always have things that are getting near release. You always have new crosses that you’re making with new parents you’re excited about.”
Famoso’s breeding innovations extend far beyond Louisiana. The LSU AgCenter’s rice varieties and research are shared with international collaborators and breeding programs, contributing to improved rice production in countries facing food security challenges. By advancing breeding techniques and sharing germplasm globally, the program helps strengthen rice systems in Asia, Africa and Latin America — regions where rice is a staple food.
