Arkansas Rice Farmer Jennifer James Appointed to Ag Advisory Committee at EPA

WASHINGTON, DC – Jennifer James, a rice farmer from Newport, Arkansas, has been appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC).  The FRRCC provides independent policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

James is a fourth-generation farmer, operating alongside her husband, son, and her father; they grow rice, corn, and soybeans.

USA Rice nominated James this spring to serve on the committee as an industry champion on sustainability issues.  She has served as chair of the USA Rice Sustainability Committee since its inception in 2009 and currently serves as vice chair of the Arkansas Rice Farmers Board of Directors.  Additionally, she serves on both the USA Rice Federation and USA Rice Farmers Boards of Directors.

In 2017, James was recognized by Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture as the Farmer of the Year for the conservation efforts on her farm and her leadership in sustainability.  In 2019, Rice Farming Magazine named her as Rice Farmer of the Year.

“Jennifer is a tireless leader on all things sustainability for the rice industry and she has been able to balance her time to not only manage her own operation with her family, implementing innovative conservation practices, but also giving back to the industry as one of our most active members,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward.  “Given her impressive résumé, Jennifer is an outstanding choice to represent U.S. rice industry interests in this advisory role to EPA.  We’re looking forward to using this connection to build on our own record as sustainability leaders amongst agricultural commodities.”

James is among 20 newly appointed members and was selected from a field of more than 85 applicants, joining 17 existing members of the committee.  Committee members include representatives from academia, agriculture and allied industries, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments.

“The appointees announced today and our existing FRRCC members will provide invaluable insight and feedback on EPA’s programs as we partner with farmers and ranchers to address the impacts of the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.