Events

Resources

News Releases

Arkansas Celebrates Rice Month with Inaugural Rice in Schools Conference and Program Expansion

LITTLE ROCK, AR – In recognition of September as Rice Month, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is celebrating the success of the Rice in Schools initiative and announcing plans to expand the program for the 2026–2027 school year. The Department will also host the inaugural Rice in Schools Conference later this month. “Arkansas rice feeds families across our state, our country, and our world – and there’s no better place to serve it than in our own schools,” said Governor Sanders. “That’s why we launched Arkansas Plate and Rice in Schools last year: to put healthy, nutritious meals on

Read More »

Entire State at High Wildfire Risk; Public Urged to Stay Alert

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging Arkansans to stay alert as wildfire danger continues to rise across the state. All 75 counties are now designated at a high wildfire risk, and more than 65 counties have active burn bans. Persistent drought and extremely dry vegetation have created conditions where fires can ignite easily, spread quickly, and become difficult to control. Wildfire risk levels are determined using current fuel dryness, drought indicators, and long‑range weather forecasts. Unattended campfires, debris burning, and other outdoor flame sources can escape containment in moments. Recommended Precautions To help reduce

Read More »

Deadline Extended for Forestry Cost-Share Programs

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has extended the application deadline for the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program and the Southeast Arkansas Hardwood Reforestation Program. Applications for both cost‑share programs will now be accepted through August 28, 2026. Southern Pine Beetle Prevention ProgramThe Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program assists landowners with thinning overstocked pine stands to reduce the risk of southern pine beetle outbreaks. The southern pine beetle is recognized as the most damaging forest pest in the South, and proactive management remains the most effective method of prevention. Many of these management activities qualify for

Read More »

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Launches New Active Wildfire Dashboard

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansans can now see where wildfires are burning and how the state is responding, as it happens. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has launched a new active wildfire dashboard that provides real-time information on wildfires the Department is currently responding to. The dashboard is available here and offers the public a clearer, more accessible view of wildfire activity across the state. The dashboard displays current wildfire totals, current acreage affected, year‑to‑date wildfire totals, and year‑to‑date acreage. It also provides details for individual wildfires, including their general location and acreage. Arkansas is home to more than

Read More »

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

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

Read More »

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Opens Wildland Fire Kit Applications

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

Read More »

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

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

Read More »

Allen Bryant Named Law Enforcement Chief at Arkansas Department of Agriculture

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

Read More »

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

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

Read More »

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

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

Read More »