Without much-needed economic assistance for rice farmers, an abundant, sustainable domestic food supply is at risk
Dec 18, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – USA Rice is incredibly grateful that Congress included much-needed economic assistance for rice farmers in the end-of-year continuing resolution released today. Rice farmers are facing tremendous financial pressures this year due to declining rice prices and inflation-driven input costs and interest rates that have created a dire situation across rural America.
“We applaud the efforts of Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Representative GT Thompson (R-PA), Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA), and other key Members of Congress for this aid that will help many rice farmers continue farming into the next crop year,” said Jamison Cruce, USA Rice vice president of government affairs. “USA Rice urges swift passage of the continuing resolution and calls on Members of Congress to vote ‘yes’ on the package.”
Early next year, it will be imperative that Congress immediately turn its focus toward reauthorization of a five-year Farm Bill that gives long-term certainty to rice farmers and our industry. The new Farm Bill must include a meaningful and adequate increase to the Price Loss Coverage program rice reference price effective for the 2025 crop year.