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Application Deadline Extended for RCPP on Idle Rice Fields

Application Deadline Extended for RCPP on Idle Rice Fields

This current conservation opportunity is for rice producers that are planning to idle any acres this growing season and have live vegetation on those fields. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting application for idle fields until this Friday, March 11. 

To be eligible for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), idle fields must have significant live vegetation on them and must be able to provide a water source within a half-mile of the fields from April 1 to July 15. Ultimately, this program will provide an incentive payment to leave vegetation undisturbed for the waterfowl nesting season and allow access to monitor nesting activity. 

Program Details:

  1. New Application Deadline:  Friday, March 11, 2022 
  2. Must have idle rice fields for the 2022 growing season
  3. Fields that are participating in a water transfer are still eligible
  4. Must have vegetation on the fields suitable for nesting birds 
    1. Cover crops are preferred but volunteer plants may also be acceptable
  5. Must have some form of brood water within a half mile 
    1. i.e. flooded rice fields, irrigation canals or ponds
  6. Leave the fields undisturbed from April 1 to July 15
  7. Payment rate: $24.10/acre

Producers interested in this program should contact Luke Matthews, Wildlife Programs Manager for the California Rice Commission, at (916) 607-8988/lmatthews@calrice.org. Matthews will be working with NRCS to verify field condition and assist eligible producers with the application process.

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California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention
Industry News •

California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

The California Warehouse Association (CWA) has shared the following informational letter and best practices flyer:

As the new harvest season approaches, we hope this letter finds you well. This letter is a friendly reminder about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in keeping foreign materials out of trucks and bins. 

Our collective efforts to ensure purity and quality of the rice we handle are crucial not only for the success of our individual operations, but also for upholding the reputation of the entire California rice industry. Contaminants and foreign materials can compromise the quality of our product, lead to costly issues down the line, and impact our relationships with customers and partners. 

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Regular Inspections: Implement routine checks to ensure that all trucks and bins are clean and free from any residual materials before loading. A thorough inspection can help prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff involved in the handling and transportation of rice are well-trained on procedures for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination. 

3. Clear Protocols: Maintain clear and effective protocols for addressing any issues that arise, and make sure these protocols are communicated and followed consistently. 

4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment and facilities used in the handling and storage of rice to prevent contamination. 

Our shared commitment to these practices will not only help us maintain the high standards of our product but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient harvest season. We ask that you share these reminders with your growers and farm bins. A one-page flyer is included with this letter that can be easily distributed. The flyer can be downloaded here. 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your ongoing dedication to the quality of California’s rice industry. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a successful and bountiful harvest season!

Drew Becker 
CWA President

For more information please contact the California Warehouse Association at (916) 441-1149 or email brooke@agamsi.com.