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Farm Bill, Trade, and Assistance at Center of USRPA Washington Fly-In
The US Rice Producers Association brought the voice of U.S. rice farmers directly to policymakers this week during a fly-in visit to Washington, D.C., holding a full slate of meetings across the federal government at a pivotal moment for the industry.
The multi-day trip featured a packed schedule as producers and association leadership met with staff representing all four corners of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, along with officials at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and the White House Office of Public Liaison. The group also met with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Daniel Whitley and numerous congressional offices on Capitol Hill.
With farm income pressures continuing across rice-producing states, participants emphasized the urgent need for additional economic assistance and effective safety-net programs. Producers outlined how rising input costs, volatile commodity markets, and global competition are placing increasing strain on operations across the Mid-South, Gulf Coast, and California rice regions.
The timing of the fly-in was particularly significant as Congress continues discussions on a new farm bill. USRPA representatives stressed that the structure of future farm policy will directly determine whether many family rice operations can remain viable. Members of Congress and committee staff received detailed information about production costs, market access challenges, and how current policy tools fall short of protecting rice producers compared to competing countries.
Trade policy was another central focus. During meetings with USTR officials and USDA FAS leadership, producers discussed ongoing concerns about market access barriers, unfair trade practices, and the need for more aggressive enforcement of trade agreements. The rice industry remains heavily dependent on exports, and maintaining reliable international markets is essential to producer stability.
Participants also addressed regulatory issues with EPA staff, including the in-progress Section 18 request for Courier to combat rice delphacid. They highlighted the importance of workable pesticide regulations and water management policies that allow farmers to operate efficiently while maintaining their long-standing record of environmental stewardship. The White House Office of Public Liaison meetings provided an opportunity to ensure the administration understands current on-farm realities. Producers shared firsthand accounts of how policy decisions translate into real-world consequences for rural communities, input suppliers, mills, and local economies that depend on rice production.
USRPA President and CEO Mollie Buckler said direct engagement is more important than ever.
“Rice producers cannot afford to sit on the sidelines right now,” Buckler said. “We have a farm bill approaching, serious trade challenges, and financial pressures facing farmers across the country. It is critical that the administration and elected officials hear directly from the people growing this crop. These conversations help policymakers understand what is actually happening on the ground and why additional economic assistance and strong trade policy are necessary for the survival of U.S. rice farming.”
By the end of the week, association representatives had met with dozens of policymakers and staff members, reinforcing that rice is not a niche crop but a major contributor to rural economies, food security, and U.S. export competitiveness.
The fly-in demonstrates the continuing commitment of producers to advocate for practical policies that sustain U.S. agriculture. As farm bill negotiations advance and trade issues evolve, the association plans to remain actively engaged in Washington to ensure rice producers have a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that will shape their future.
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