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

  • Louisiana Department of Ag Logo Flood Assistance Available for Louisiana Rice Producers

    Jul 17, 2017

    Following flooding, some 2017 replanting expenses will be covered for rice farmers in some parishes in Louisiana. Full story
  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    Jul 12, 2017

    U.S. 2017/18 all rice supplies are lowered 9.5 million cwt to 261.6 million on a production decrease, which is partially offset by slightly higher imports. Long grain production is lowered 5.6 million cwt and combined medium/short grain production is lowered 4.1 million cwt. The production decrease stems from a 123,000 acre reduction in harvested area, reflecting the floods that occurred in Northeast Arkansas and the bootheel of Missouri as well as excessive moisture in California at planting time. Full story
  • Aerial-view-of-2017 AR-flood 2017 Rice Area Numbers Down Almost 20 Percent from 2016, Harvested Area in Arkansas Takes a Hit

    Jun 30, 2017

    In the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) first survey-based estimate of grain acreage for the 2017 crop, all rice planted acres is set at 2.56 million, 19 percent less than the 2016 figure, and two percent less than reported in the March Prospective Plantings. Full story