USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited Host 2022 Capitol Hill Reception

WASHINGTON, DC – Last Thursday, USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited co-hosted the annual Federal Duck Stamp Reception to showcase the strong relationship between rice and ducks, and to promote ongoing conservation efforts by the Rice Stewardship Partnership.

The Rice Stewardship Partnership was founded in 2013 and forged a model of collaboration between a farm group and a conservation organization – USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited.  This Partnership has been working tirelessly to offer rice farmers assistance to address water quantity, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working ricelands.  Since its inception, more than 800,000 acres of rice and rice rotation ground have been impacted by the Partnership.

Anheuser-Busch, the Agricultural Retailers Association, CropLife America, and The Fertilizer Institute also joined USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited in hosting the event.

More than 200 Congressional staff, industry partners, and others attended, including Rep. French Hill (R-AR).  Sushi and beverages brewed with rice were served.  Attendees also had an opportunity to purchase their 2022/23 Federal Duck Stamps, a required annual purchase for waterfowl hunters 16 and older that includes free admission to any national wildlife refuge.

Proceeds from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps go toward the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, utilized as a conservation tool to protect habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife with 98 percent of all proceeds directly allocated towards conservation efforts.