On February 19, 2026, the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board approved $2,860,000 in funding for five promotion projects at its meeting held earlier in the month. The projects are intended to support growth and market development of Arkansas’s rice industry.
The decision is significant as Arkansas is the largest rice-producing state in the United States. The board’s funding aims to increase market access and demand for Arkansas rice both domestically and internationally. According to the official website, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture focuses on agriculture as the state’s leading industry and operates throughout the state with reach into national and global markets.
“Arkansas is the largest rice-producing state in the United States, and the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board plays a vital role in supporting our rice farmers (…) By investing in promotion of rice through assessment collections today, the board increases market access and demand for Arkansas rice both domestically and internationally in the future,” Jim Whitaker, Chair of the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board, said according to an announcement.
The board received 11 proposals requesting nearly $3 million during an open call from December 5, 2025, to January 9, 2026. Funding decisions are made by board members at public meetings. Projects selected include $2.8 million for USA Rice (contingent upon assessment collections) to support marketing efforts; $35,000 for The Rice Foundation for research initiatives; $10,000 each for University of Arkansas programs focused on education; $5,000 for a leadership tour; and $10,000 for outreach by Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
The board’s activities are funded through assessments paid by buyers and producers at a rate of 1.35 cents per bushel on rice grown or entering federal loan programs. Buyer assessments fund market development while producer assessments support extension and research work.
According to its official website, Wes Ward serves as Cabinet Secretary of the department which advocates conservation practices such as prescribed fires for land management, offers programs encompassing animal care, crop management, forest protection and natural resource oversight, works to bolster farming while ensuring food safety for consumers.
