From left: USA Rice's Jamison Cruce, Rep. Ron Estes, and Julia Peebles, DU director of agriculture & sustainability policy
Sep 22, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited co-hosted the annual Federal Duck Stamp Reception, showcasing the strong relationship between rice and ducks, and to promote ongoing conservation efforts.
The event also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership, a unique alliance through which both organizations have been working tirelessly to offer rice farmers assistance to address water quantity, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working ricelands.
The Rice Stewardship Partnership was founded in 2013 and forged a historic model of collaboration between a farm group and a conservation organization – USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited. Since its inception, more than 800,000 acres of rice and rice rotation ground have been impacted by the Partnership.
More than 200 Congressional staff, industry partners, and others attended, including Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. Sushi and beverages brewed with rice were served. Attendees also had an opportunity to purchase their 2023/24 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.
“The USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Federal Duck Stamp Reception is one of the highlights on Capitol Hill each fall during National Rice Month and the event allows us to exhibit the great conservation work of rice farmers, Ducks Unlimited, and our numerous partners to Federal policy makers,” said Jamison Cruce, USA Rice senior director of government affairs. “We appreciate all who attended to celebrate the monumental success of the Rice Stewardship Partnership and the beneficial impact it has had during its 10-year tenure.”