Department of Agriculture

Supporting Arkansas farmers and ranchers while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of Arkansas, the nation, and across the globe

Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board

Overview

The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board was created to plan and conduct a program of research, extension, market development, and advertising designed to promote the rice industry in Arkansas. The board consists of nine Arkansas rice producers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Four members must be designated representatives of the Arkansas rice merchant and milling industry. Members serve two-year terms.

Board activities are funded through an assessment of 1.35 cents per bushel paid by the buyer at the first point of sale on rice grown within the state or at the point the rice enters into the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan program. Producers also pay an assessment of 1.35 cents per bushel of rice grown. The assessments paid by buyers must be used for market development and promotion. The assessments paid by producers must be used for rice extension and research.

Learn more about the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board here.

Board Members

NameLocationTerm
Jay CokerStuttgart2024
Paul SchwarzJonesboro2024
Carl PhillipsWalnut Ridge2024
Becton BellWilson2024
Jim WhitakerMcGehee2025
Jeff RutledgeNewport2025
David GairhanJonesboro2025
Charles WilliamsCrawfordsville2025
Scott MatthewsWeiner2025

Administrator: Cynthia Edwards

Funded Projects

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