Groundbreaking for NE Rice Research and Extension Center set for Tuesday
WHAT: Groundbreaking for Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center
WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 9
WHERE: 15327 Arkansas Hwy. 1 in Harrisburg
WHO: Steve Cox, UA Board of Trustees
Deacue Fields, VP-agriculture, U of A System
Jean-François Meullenet, director, Ark. Agricultural Experiment Station
Joe Christian, chair, Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board
Marshall Stewart, CEO, Greenway Equipment
Tim Burcham, director, NE Rice Research and Extension Center.
BACKGROUND:
The Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center is owned and operated by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The $18.5 million center is funded by the Division of Agriculture, with a grant from the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board from Tariff Rate Quota funds from a U.S.-Columbia trade promotion agreement specifically directed to rice research.
“As rice production in northeast Arkansas continues to become more important for the area, we are positioned to provide critical research and outreach support through this center for the region’s growers,” said Deacue Fields, vice president-agriculture for the University of Arkansas System. “We are very grateful to the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board and to the Arkansas Legislature for their support of this project.”
The center has been conducting research on the 600-acre location since 2021, according to Tim Burcham, center director.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen
agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption
of best practices. The Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work
within the nation’s historic land grant education system through the Agricultural
Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas
System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension
and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex,
gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital
or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and
is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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