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

  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    May 10, 2017

    U.S. 2017/18 all rice production is forecast at 201 million cwt, down 23.1 million from the previous year, all on a large reduction in long grain acreage as indicated by the NASS Prospective Plantings survey issued March 31. The forecast 2017/18 yields are based on long-term historical trends and are higher for long grain but slightly lower for combined medium- and short-grain. Total 2017/18 rice supplies are forecast to decrease 7 percent from the previous year to 273.1 million cwt, primarily on the reduction in long grain. Full story
  • DP.w-Changes-to-School-Lunch-Program,-Sonny-Perdue-170504 Changes to School Lunch Program Present Opportunity for Rice

    May 04, 2017

    This week, new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue signed a proclamation to give America’s schools more flexibility to make food choices that are both healthful and appealing to students. The rice industry, already a major player in school lunch nutrition programs, can benefit thanks to high nutritional and taste standards. Full story
  • GA.w-2017-Ag-Census-Logo-170418 2017 Ag Census a Chance to Count New Farms and Farmers

    Apr 18, 2017

    Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census of Agriculture is designed to be a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them. Full story