[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 157 (Monday, September 24, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL RICE MONTH

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, September is National Rice Month. In 
Arkansas, this is certainly reason to celebrate. My home State has the 
proud distinction of being the Nation's leader in rice production, 
producing about half of the U.S. rice crop in America. Arkansas rice 
producers not only provide a safe, reliable food source that helps feed 
the world but also helps drive the State's economy.
  Arkansas rice farmers support nearly 15,000 jobs and, on average, 
contribute $2.3 billion to the State's economic output. Rice milling 
operations and forward market linkages in Arkansas account for more 
than $3 billion in total output of goods and services.
  These are impressive numbers for an integral component to Arkansas' 
economy and part of the reason why the industry was recognized by Gov. 
Asa Hutchinson, who signed the Rice Month proclamation in early 
September. As a leader in production, Arkansas rice farmers have a 
unique role in the industry and in the ongoing research to support its 
continued success in the State.
  The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a 
leading research entity on rice production. Its Rice Research and 
Extension Center is recognized worldwide for developing solutions to 
the challenges facing producers, establishing techniques and best 
practices that help advance the rice industry.
  The strong partnership between education and industry is crucial to 
leveraging the investment made in rice research. This cooperation helps 
improve the rice crop and increase farmers' yields, as well as makes 
rice production more efficient.
  This collaboration is also seen in conservation efforts. Rice farmers 
are leaders in sustainability. Over the last two decades, rice 
producers have been able to increase their yields by more than 50 
percent, with improved quality, while reducing land use by 35 percent, 
energy use by 38 percent, and water use by 53 percent.
  In addition to being good stewards of the environment, rice farmers 
provide critical habitat for ducks and other waterfowl. Organizations 
like Ducks Unlimited have formed a relationship with rice farmers 
through the Rice Stewardship to improve conservation practices that 
help shape the habitat for waterfowl. Flooded rice fields have become 
great locations for hunters. When these outdoorsmen visit Arkansas to 
take advantage of our natural resources, they pump money into our local 
economies.
  As a duck hunting destination, it is critically important that we 
protect waterfowl habitats in Arkansas so we can continue to attract 
sports men and women to our State.
  Congress can help our rice farmers continue these good practices by 
passing a farm bill that includes our robust conservation title.
  During my annual ag tour in Arkansas last month, I visited with rice 
farmers, researchers, and rice industry leaders. They shared with me 
how the farm bill can work better for them. We can improve crop 
insurance to make the policy work better for our rice farmers. They 
need a strong farm safety net, and they asked that Washington protect 
the markets they have and work to open new markets like trade with 
Cuba.
  I am proud to craft and promote policies that help our rice farmers, 
and I will continue to be an advocate for the industry. This month is 
the perfect time to celebrate the rice industry and the many positive 
contributions it makes to Arkansas.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Ernst). The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________