News Release Distributed 01/27/14
NEW ORLEANS La. – Don LaBonte, a sweet potato breeder and director of the LSU AgCenter School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, was presented the 2014 Distinguished Service Award by the U.S. Sweet Potato Council on Jan. 21 at its annual convention.
The award recognizes career-long contributions and service to the national sweet potato industry. LaBonte was recognized for his work not only to the advancement of technology and science but also to the sustainability of the Louisiana and national sweet potato industries, said Tara Smith, AgCenter regional director and resident coordinator at the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, La.
“He has left a lasting mark on the sweet potato industry,” Smith said. “He continues to develop high yielding and superior quality varieties that will positively impact and increase sustainability of the industry for years to come.”
Rick Bogren