Farmers for a Sustainable Future

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, USA Rice joined with 21 trade groups representing millions of farmers and ranchers on Capitol Hill to launch Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability.  Members of the coalition discussed the FSF’s purpose and principles before an audience of policy makers and media.
 
The mission of this groundbreaking coalition is to share with elected officials, the media, and the public U.S. agriculture’s commitment to sustainability and the great effort that has already been made to reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint.  FSF will serve as a primary resource for lawmakers as they consider climate-related policies, and provide its guiding principles as a foundation to further advance the adoption of conservation programs.
 
Ben Mosely, vice president of government affairs at USA Rice, spoke at the event about the rice industry’s many accomplishments in sustainability and conservation, as well as the importance of sustainability in agriculture:  “All in all, the U.S. rice industry is invested in sustainability because it is personal.  Rice farmers live on the land they work, and rice mills are an important economic driver in their communities.”
 
FSF supports science-based research, voluntary incentive-based conservation programs, investment in infrastructure, and solutions that support rural communities while ensuring a healthy environment.  The coalition recognizes what the rice industry has long known:  that U.S. farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land who are committed to soil health, water conservation, air quality, and wildlife.  

USA Rice’s participation in the coalition is a natural fit, as rice farmers have made great strides in sustainability and conservation over the last several decades and continue to achieve higher standards with every harvest, as is laid out in last year’s U.S. Rice Industry Sustainability Report.  Joining with other industry leaders in the FSF will help rice tell its sustainability story, educate the public, and have a voice in agricultural policies.
 
“This is an opportunity to tell the great success story of American agriculture’s sustainability efforts,” said Arkansas rice farmer Jennifer James, who is chair of the USA Rice Sustainability Committee.  “Sustainability is the future of agriculture, and farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the movement, putting science, technology, and innovation to work on the land.  FSF will be an invaluable resource for policymakers and the public alike, and USA Rice is honored to join the group.”