2022 USA Rice Sustainability Award Application Open

By Steve Linscombe

USA Rice

While insiders know U.S.-grown rice is one of the most sustainable and responsibly grown crops in the world, telling that story to those who are unaware is increasingly important. To help recognize the crop’s unique environmental qualities and the women and men who improve rice’s sustainability every day, USA Rice launched a Sustainability Award in 2018 to identify and promote prime examples.

The USA Rice Sustainability Award is open to individuals or entities with significant involvement in the U.S. rice industry and with a history of promoting and advancing sustainability through innovative practices and demonstrated leadership in the sustainability community.

“We are looking for people and companies who embody sustainability by their actions and who are willing to share their vision of the future and commitment to the environment, and help others follow in their footsteps,” said Jennifer James, Arkansas rice farmer and chair of the USA Rice Sustainability Committee. “While sustainability is at the forefront of most industries, it has been the mindset of the U.S. rice industry for decades.”

Last year’s USA Rice Sustainability award went to The Powell Group, which includes Farmers Rice Mill, Agrilectric Power Partners, Agrilectric Research Co., and B.H. Mitigation. The Powell Group was a leader in burning rice hulls to power their rice mill. Their sustainability efforts continue through the milling and packaging process all the way to the consumers’ plate.

The award committee is now accepting nominations through October 27, and the award will be presented at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Austin, Texas, on December 8, 2022.

The application form can be found here.