Rice Farmers hold candidate forum in Paragould

Published:  October 12, 2011

Share:

From The Paragould Daily Press

The Arkansas Rice Federation held its first forums in Paragould Friday.

Local farmers were invited to discuss industry issues with their elected representatives and candidates for the state legislature.

Over the course of the hour-long meeting, participants talked about the impact of flooding, the success of the Arkansas Rice Check-Off Program, this year’s crop and other topics of concern.

The goal of the forum was to connect local farmers with their legislators and those who may represent them soon, said Ben Noble, executive director of the ARF. “Making this connection is important going forward as we work on issues of mutual concern to our state and to the industry,” he said. “We are very pleased with the success of our first forum, and we look forward to hosting several more across the state.

State Sens. Eddie Joe Williams and Robert Thompson were joined at the Paragould forum by State Reps. Clark Hall, Jerry Brown, Homer Lenderman and Linda Collins-Smith. Candidates Wes Eddington and Mary Broadway of Paragould were in attendance, as was Scott Baltz of Pocahontas.

The ARF is the state advocate for all segments of the Arkansas rice industry. Its mission is to promote and protect the interests of Arkansas rice farmers, merchants, millers and allied businesses. Members include the Arkansas Rice Council, the Arkansas Rice Producers Group, Arkansas Rice Merchants Association and Arkansas members of the Rice Millers Association.