Partnership with USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited Aims to Enhance Agricultural and Environmental Performance
In a significant move to promote sustainable agriculture, Nutrien has pledged $1 million over four years to support rice growers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, and California. This investment is part of the USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Program, a decade-long initiative aimed at improving agricultural and environmental outcomes on rice farms across nearly one million acres.
Ducks Unlimited Director of Agriculture Support Scott Manley emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Nutrien is a vital step towards achieving widespread adoption of sustainable agriculture practices among rice farmers. This support demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and is critical to our ability to make meaningful changes.”
The U.S. rice industry, which produces 20 billion pounds of rice annually, plays a crucial role in the national food supply, with 80% of the rice consumed in the U.S. being domestically grown. The Rice Stewardship Program focuses on enhancing the sustainability of working rice lands, water resources, and waterfowl habitats, ensuring long-term improvements to these critical natural and economic resources.
Jeff Tarsi, president of Global Retail for Nutrien, highlighted the company’s dedication to community and environmental stewardship: “We are proud supporters of Ducks Unlimited and look forward to collaborating through the Rice Stewardship Partnership to protect and care for the rice lands, water, and wetlands in the South.”
Nutrien’s involvement in the Rice Stewardship Program is driven by a desire to promote nutrient stewardship at the producer level. The program helps farmers adopt sustainable practices by providing ongoing research and monitoring to assess the impact on crop health, soil quality, and water resources. This collaborative effort is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture.
Josh Hankins, USA Rice director, Grower Relations and Rice Stewardship Partnership, expressed excitement about the new partnership: “Nutrien’s support will help us foster the implementation of sustainable initiatives across the rice community.”
The Rice Stewardship Program, supported by various partners including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, recently secured an $80 million Climate-Smart Commodities grant. This funding will continue to positively impact landscapes vital to rice production and waterfowl habitat.
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