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

  • Jason Weller and Jeff Durand talk at conference Rice and Ducks Propose Beefing-Up Conservation Efforts

    May 10, 2016

    Today, the USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited (DU) Rice Stewardship Partnership jointly submitted or supported three proposals that request funding through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Full story
  • USDA Announces 235M for RCPP WASDE Report Released

    May 10, 2016

    U.S. 2016/17 all rice production is forecast at 231 million cwt, up 38.7 million cwt from the previous year and the largest since 2010/11. The increase reflects larger area and a higher yield. Long grain harvested area is forecast at 2.4 million acres, up 32 percent from the previous year and the largest in six years. Combined medium- and short-grain harvested area is forecast at 60,000 acres, down 17 percent from 2015/16 due to a sharp reduction in southern medium-grain planted area. The yield increase for both classes of rice reflects a return to trend. Total U.S. 2016/17 all rice supplies are forecast to increase 13 percent from the previous year. Long grain supplies are up, while medium- and short-grain supplies are down. Full story
  • USDA Grants $332 Million for Conservation Easements

    Apr 26, 2016

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $332 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts ACEP applications on a rolling basis, but to receive funding in fiscal year 2015 you must submit by May 15, 2015. Full story