The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation board of directors authorized on Mar. 11 a $1 per acre cash rebate for growers who paid assessments on the 2025 cotton acres verified with the Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Program. The total payout, expected by the end of April, will return approximately $487,000 to cotton producers across the state.
This rebate aims to support Arkansas’s cotton industry, which remains a key part of the state’s agricultural economy and ranks third nationally in production. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to alleviate financial pressures faced by local producers while maintaining robust pest prevention programs.
Joe Mencer, a grower from Chicot County and ABWEF Chairman, said, “Arkansas cotton producers persevered with the same hard work and dedication they bring year after year. We’re pleased to once again support their efforts through the rebate program.”
The Foundation verified over 486,000 acres from Arkansas’s cotton producers for the upcoming season. Regina Coleman, ABWEF Executive Director, said, “The board maintains its commitment to responsibly managing and investing the dollars we’re entrusted with each year. Through the rebate program, we’re able to alleviate some of the financial pressure our producers experience and still maintain an exceptional program.”
ABWEF began eradication operations in 1997 and successfully eliminated boll weevils from Arkansas by 2008. Since then, it has operated a maintenance program focused on monitoring and prevention.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture manages an agricultural sector contributing more than $24.3 billion annually with about 37,400 farms spanning roughly 13.7 million acres, per the official website. The department oversees funding through boards that allocate millions for research, extension and market development in commodities such as rice and soybeans according to its official website. It also promotes access to safe water supplies to enhance economic development and public health as reported by its official website.
In addition to supporting farmers like those receiving this rebate, the department advances conservation efforts through programs addressing water planning and reforestation according to its official website. It maintains facilities such as Baucum Nursery—which produces millions of seedlings each year—and honors outstanding forest management through annual recognition programs according to its official website.
Looking ahead, ABWEF continues its mission under a maintenance program dedicated entirely to prevention efforts against boll weevils while supporting local growers.
