Tri-Parish rice growers eligible for new DU program

Rice farmers in the Tri-Parish area as well as many other parishes around the state can apply for financial assistance to make on-farm improvements through Nov. 20, thanks to the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program Rice Stewardship Partnership Project, sponsored by USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited.
The RCPP program will assist rice producers who voluntarily implement conservation and management practices focused on providing winter habitat in rice fields for waterfowl and other birds. Additional practices that help improve irrigation water management and control sediment and nutrient runoff are also offered. 
DU Director of Conservation Innovation Scott Manley said, “The main goal is to provide winter wetland habitat, while also considering groundwater demand from
aquifers in rice production areas to ensure sustainability of that water source for future rice production."
Eligible parishes for this special funding opportunity include St. Landry, Acadia, Evangeline, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Madison, Morehouse, Rapides, Richland, St. Martin, Vermilion and West Carroll.
“Interested rice producers need to visit their local NRCS office as soon as possible,” Manley said. “This partnership between USA Rice, Ducks Unlimited and NRCS is designed to help rice producers address water quantity and quality, as well as wildlife habitat on their farm.”
Funding for this project will be available to rice producers through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Producers should visit their local USDA service center before the Nov. 20, deadline to apply.
Additional information on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program can be found at
www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/farmbill/rcpp/.