MOUNTAIN HOME, TX – While insiders know U.S.-grown rice is one of the most sustainable and responsibly grown crops in the world, telling that story to those who are unaware is increasingly important. To help recognize the crop’s unique environmental qualities and the people who improve rice’s sustainability every day, USA Rice launched a Sustainability Award in 2018 to identify and promote prime examples.
The USA Rice Sustainability Award is open to individuals or entities with significant involvement in the U.S. rice industry and with a history of promoting and advancing sustainability through innovative practices and demonstrated leadership in the sustainability community.
“We are looking for individuals and operations that embody sustainability by their actions and who are willing to share their vision of the future and commitment to the environment, and help others follow in their footsteps,” said Mark Isbell, an Arkansas rice farmer and chair of the USA Rice Sustainability Committee. “While sustainability is a concern for most industries, it has been an integral part of the mindset of the U.S. rice industry for decades.”
Last year’s USA Rice Sustainability Award went to Lundberg Farms. This vertically integrated family farm headquartered in Richvale, California, has been at the forefront of sustainable agronomic production for their wide array of rice-based products. Their sustainability efforts continue through the milling and packaging process all the way to the consumers’ plate.
The award committee is now accepting nominations through October 11, 2024, and the award will be presented at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Little Rock on December 10, 2024. The application form can be found
here.