Elevated Wildfire Risk Statewide — Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged; please follow all local burn bans and report fires immediately to 1‑800‑468‑8834.

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Urges Public to Stay Alert as Wildfire Risk Increases

12/08/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging Arkansans to stay alert as wildfire risk increases across the state. The Department has designated all 75 counties at moderate wildfire risk, and 30 counties are under burn bans issued by county judges. The National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services forecasts above normal significant fire potential developing across southern and eastern Arkansas during August. Abnormally dry conditions covered 92 percent of Arkansas on August 4, up from 82 percent one week earlier. As fuels dry out, the risk that a small fire escapes containment rises sharply. Fires that

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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Opens Wildland Fire Kit Applications

11/08/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR —  The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through October 2, 2026. Applications can be submitted online here. Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the Department will distribute 70 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across Arkansas this year. Since 2014, more than 898 kits have been provided to strengthen local wildfire response capabilities. “Rural volunteer fire departments are vital partners in protecting Arkansas communities,” said State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “These firefighters know their landscapes and their quick action is often the first line

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Governor Sanders Announces Over $3.3 Million for School Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

22/07/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from elementary schools for the 2026–2027 USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The program reimburses schools for fresh fruits and vegetables served free to students in grades K–6 during the school day, outside of breakfast and lunch meal periods. Completed applications must be submitted no later than Friday, August 28, 2026. “For too long, students lacked the fuel they needed to learn, but thanks to the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, schools are now able to make sure that Arkansas’ students have access to the

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Allen Bryant Named Law Enforcement Chief at Arkansas Department of Agriculture

21/07/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture today announced that Allen Bryant, the former Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Little Rock Field Office, has been named the Department’s Law Enforcement Chief, effective July 13. Bryant brings more than 34 years of federal law enforcement leadership and investigative experience to the position. “Agriculture is national security, and protecting Arkansas’ largest industry requires strong partnerships and experienced leadership,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Allen Bryant has spent more than three decades leading complex criminal investigations, building partnerships with law enforcement agencies at every

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Up to $20 Million Available to Help Arkansas Communities Reduce Flood Risk

14/07/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is now accepting pre‑applications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Swift Current Flood Mitigation Assistance (Swift Current) program. Up to $20 million in federal funding is available to help reduce flood risk in communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The program is funded by FEMA and administered in partnership with the Department. Towns, cities, and counties across Arkansas are encouraged to submit pre‑applications as early as possible. All pre‑applications must be submitted to the Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 15, 2026. Only

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$25 Million Grant Program Now Available for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

09/07/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced today that it is now accepting applications for the newly established Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. Created under Act 812 of 2025, the program will provide approximately $25 million annually for three years for shovel‑ready water and wastewater infrastructure projects. “Communities across Arkansas have critical water and wastewater projects that are ready to move but need additional support to get across the finish line,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “This grant program is designed to close that gap. By focusing on shovel-ready projects, we are

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Reminder: Arkansas Century Farm Program Accepting Applications Through July 31

08/07/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding farm families that applications for the Arkansas Century Farm Program are open now through July 31. The program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and continuously farmed the same land for 100 years or more, honoring their longstanding contributions to the state’s agricultural heritage. The program is voluntary, and there is no cost to apply. To qualify, farms must meet the following requirements: Qualifying farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established. Established in 2012, the Arkansas

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Annual Groundwater Report Reinforces Need for Arkansas Water Plan

07/07/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) has released the 2025 Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Report pursuant to the Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Act of 1991, Arkansas Code Annotated § 15-22-906. This report summarizes groundwater monitoring, current water levels, conservation programs, and water use for 2025. “Arkansas has been blessed with abundant natural resources, and we can’t afford to take them for granted,” said Governor Sanders.  “Protecting our groundwater means thinking decades ahead—about conservation, supporting agriculture, strengthening our economy, and ensuring future generations inherit an Arkansas that’s even stronger than the one we enjoy

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Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board Approves $83,533 in Funding for Research and Promotion

01/07/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board today announced $83,533 in funding for research and promotion projects. The selected projects will support the growth and market development of Arkansas’ wheat industry. “These investments reflect our commitment to delivering real value to Arkansas wheat growers,” said Tim Smith, Wheat Promotion Board Chairman. “Every project we fund, whether it advances research, enhances markets, or expands consumer understanding, helps build a stronger, more resilient wheat industry.” The Board received 14 proposals requesting $222,409 in funding. Of those, two promotion projects totaling $5,000 and five research projects totaling $78,533 were approved

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Governor Sanders Names State Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Fidler to Lead Animal Health Division

30/06/2026

LITTLE ROCK, AR —  Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Dr. Andrew Fidler will serve as Animal Health Director and State Veterinarian within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.  Dr. Fidler has served as the State Veterinarian since October 2025. “Today’s announcement by Governor Sanders reflects our efforts to professionalize animal health services, reduce bureaucracy, and place veterinary expertise at the center of animal health decision-making,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Dr. Fidler’s expertise will help us better serve producers, streamline processes, improve coordination, and protect Arkansas’s animal agriculture sector which accounts for nearly 58 percent of

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