Secretary Vilsack addresses USA Rice's Farm Policy Task Group
Feb 28, 2023
This morning, during the USA Rice Farm Policy Fly-In, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced preliminary details for the Rice Production Program (RPP), $250 million in assistance specifically for U.S. rice farmers who in 2022 experienced stagnant rice market prices and record high input costs. The funding was appropriated in the year-end Federal government funding bill thanks to Senator John Boozman (R-AR).
While the full RPP details are set to be announced later this spring, USDA is encouraging rice farmers to complete adjusted gross income forms, the Farm Service Agency-510. This form will help inform USDA of the appropriate payment limitation for rice farmers.
“We appreciate Secretary Vilsack joining our group this morning to discuss ongoing challenges facing the U.S. rice industry, as well as announcing these prelimary details for the Rice Production Program,” said Curtis Berry, a Mississippi rice farmer and USA Rice Farmers chair. “We are encouraged that USDA is moving to implement this program quickly, and the funding will go a long way for rice farmers, our industry and our rural communities."
Berry added: "We were able to visit with Senator Boozman this morning, and were honored to express our sincere appreciation to him and his staff for all of their efforts for delivering this assistance."