Agriculture key to growth in southwest La. The American Press reports (http://bit.ly/cseYHv) that George Swift, president and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, said growth in the agriculture plays a critical role in the future of the region. Agricultural production is the largest economic generator in Jefferson Davis Parish with the total value of agricultural commodities exceeding $140 million, the LSU AgCenter says. Other crops include sugarcane, hay, turf grass and beef cattle.