Arkansas is the nation’s top rice producer, uniquely positioning it as a leader in research, innovation and conservation practices that improve efficiency and sustainability for producers.  

Rice is a way of life in The Natural State. It represents generations of hard work, resilience and stewardship of the land. For many communities, it’s a driver of local economies and a source of pride.   

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Arkansas Rice Federation. For decades, the organization has been a dependable advocate and steady leader, championing policies that support farmers, millers and the many businesses connected to this vital sector. Its work has helped ensure that Arkansas remains at the forefront of rice production in the United States and competitive in the global marketplace. 

That leadership is critical. Rice-related employment supports more than 25,000 Arkansas jobs and contributes more than $6 billion annually to the state’s economy.  

With so much at stake, rice farmers make it a point to meet and discuss challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The most recent meeting occurred earlier this month at the Northeast Rice Research & Extension Center in Harrisburg. In addition to remarks by Governor Sanders, participants heard from a congressional panel that included my staff from the Senate Agriculture Committee. These conversations help guide the committee’s work in Washington.  

Arkansas farmers have now endured three consecutive years of the worst farm economy in modern history. Rising input costs, increasing inflation, extreme weather, volatile markets and uncertainty make long-term planning incredibly difficult. 

Despite those challenges, farm families are resilient. I’m proud to support them and deliver the tools and resources necessary to strengthen Arkansas agriculture so they can continue growing our nation’s food and fiber.  

We helped secure $31 billion in economic and disaster assistance in December 2024 and made generational investments in rural America through the Working Families Tax Cuts, signed into law last summer. This landmark legislation answered the calls of Arkansas farmers, delivering a stronger farm safety net by increasing reference prices and payment limits to ensure the program better reflects today’s economic realities. 

We secured 30 million new voluntary base acres, a critical update that better aligns farm programs with current production and strengthens crop insurance while lowering the cost –– reinforcing one of the most important risk management tools available to rice producers. 

We also enhanced funding for agricultural trade promotion programs, helping open new markets and expand demand for U.S.-grown rice around the world. 

Additionally, two months ago, President Trump established the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program to help farmers make it to the fall when they will see an improved farm safety net take effect.  

These are reasons to be hopeful, but more needs to be done. 

That’s why I’m continuing to advocate for additional farm assistance. Senator John Hoeven (R- ND), Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, and I developed a package that builds upon the administration’s work to support rural America and responds to the immediate financial concerns so farmers have the bankable and timely assistance they need to plan for next crop season. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to help them understand the urgency in approving this lifeline. We’re looking at every opportunity to move this package. 

As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m committed to keeping Arkansas as the leader in rice production and advancing policies that support our farmers and strengthen the future of agriculture in our state.