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

  • USDA Proposes It Takes 500 Hours to be "Actively Engaged"

    Mar 24, 2015

    WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a proposed rule to limit farm payments to non-farmers. The proposed rule limits farm payments to individuals who may be designated as farm managers but are not actively engaged in farm management. Full story
  • Crop Insurance Briefings Shed Light on Complex Programs

    Mar 17, 2015

    WASHINGTON, DC -- Anticipating attacks from the far left and far right, the Senate and House Agriculture Committees last week hosted Crop Insurance 101 briefings where producer and crop insurance industry representatives were on hand to educate staff on the history, issues, and complexities of the programs. USA Rice Federation joined a broad coalition of commodity groups that helped promote the briefings that were widely attended by Congressional staff. Full story
  • Brantley Reminds Farm Bill Extended Deadlines Approach

    Mar 10, 2015

    ENGLAND, AR -- USA Rice Federation Chairman Dow Brantley already updated yields and reallocated base acres for his Lonoke County, Arkansas farm, but he knows not everyone has done the same. He warns time is running out. Full story