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

  • 2019 Duck Stamp shows painting of wood duck sitting in water surrounded by cattails USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited Host 2019 Federal Duck Stamp Reception

    Sep 27, 2019

    Last Thursday, USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited co-hosted the annual Federal Duck Stamp Reception to showcase the strong partnership between rice and ducks, and to promote ongoing conservation efforts to preserve wetlands and wildlife habitat. Full story
  • Several people use large paddles to stir rice dish in large metal pan Rice: An Essential Ingredient of Sabor USA

    Sep 09, 2019

    This year, 21 cooperators participated in the annual Sabor USA event that brings together USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) cooperators to promote U.S. ag products, including U.S. rice. Full story
  • Several people inspect polypipe irrigation in green rice field Risk Management Agency Does Their Research on Rice

    Aug 22, 2019

    This week, staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) toured Arkansas to talk with rice farmers and see irrigation methods like alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and furrow irrigated (or row) rice firsthand. RMA is actively working to provide crop insurance coverage for these two irrigation methods. Full story