The rice industry prides itself on its commitment to the conservation of natural resources and the institution of practices that provide habitat to wetland dependent wildlife and waterfowl. Working lands programs are good for the environment and for rice farmers. The voluntary-incentive based conservation model used by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) has worked well. 

Rice farmers have been able to significantly improve their environmental footprint through practices implemented through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This program has provided rice farmers funds to better manage water resources through irrigation efficiency, water quality, and erosion control. For more information on our work through this program click here.

Recent News

  • Geese feeding in-Louisiana rice-field Rice Stewardship Grows Working Lands Conservation in Louisiana and Texas

    Jan 08, 2018

    Two new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) proposals submitted by the Rice Stewardship Partnership have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarding nearly $6 million for conservation of water and habitat in ricelands in Texas and Louisiana. Full story
  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    Dec 12, 2017

    Total 2017/18 U.S. rice supplies are increased marginally this month to 248.9 million cwt as higher projected imports (primarily Thai fragrant rice) offset slightly lower production. In the November Crop Production report, NASS reduced the 2017/18 U.S. crop size by 200,000 cwt to 178.4 million on lower forecast yield. This is 20 percent less than last year and would be the lowest U.S. rice production since 1996/97. Full story
  • Rice being loaded onto a rail car at Southern Louisiana Rail Facility Underreporting of Rice Exports Cause for Concern

    Dec 05, 2017

    In a recent meeting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), USA Rice members heard an update on export sales reporting - a federal requirement for exporters of specific commodities, including rice. On a weekly basis, exporters are mandated to report any contract for export sales entered into or subsequently modified during the reporting period. Full story