A grower supported check-off program was initiated in 1982 as authorized by state law, and the monies are collected by the Texas Rice Producers Board (TRPB). Each year, farmers contribute 8¢ per every hundredweight of rice sold, with 5¢ directed towards research and 3¢ for marketing. The TRPB collects the check-off fund and distributes the money earmarked for marketing to the Texas Rice Council and the research funds to the Texas Rice Research Foundation (TRRF), who then awards the money to researchers through a competitive grant program. TRRF is also a voluntary non-profit organization, solely comprised of farmers. The Chairman of TRRF is Des Woods, Vice-Chairman is Layton Raun, and the secretary is Rodney Mowery. Alice Garlough is a registered CPA and acts as Administrative Services Manager for the organization. Her office is located on their family ranch just outside of Sealy in Cat Spring.

Alice works for TRRF on a contract basis, and handles all the bookkeeping associated with collection and distribution of the check-off funds. At the end of the year, the farmers have the option of requesting a refund, or leaving their check-off monies in place to be distributed by TRRF. The call for proposals goes out in the Fall, and each December researchers can submit grant proposals dealing with rice production and improvement. The review process goes through February, at which time the TRRF Board of Directors announces which proposals have been awarded funding. Last year the Texas Rice Research Foundation funded $625,000 in grant and equipment money, all of which came from producer check-off funds. Since its conception in 1982, the TRRF board has distributed over $15 million for rice research in Texas.

TRRF funded projects for the 2004 – 05 season include Development of Improved Rice Cultivars, Winter Nursery Facilities for Development of Improved Cultivars, Development of High Yielding Rice Varieties for Texas, Direct Manipulation of Yield Determinants and Herbicide Tolerance in Rice, Evaluating University & Private Industry Varieties for Production in Texas, Management of Bacterial Panicle Blight, Physiological Basis of Ratoon Crop Management, Water Management and Weed Research in Rice, Entomology Research & Extension Program, Communications, Press and Public Outreach for the Texas Rice Industry, Educational Publications for Texas Rice Producers, Texas Rice Crop Survey 2004, Analysis of Farm Policy Options for Texas Rice Farmers, Two Technician Positions in Eagle Lake, and equipment and improvements for both Eagle Lake and Beaumont. Total funding for this season amounts to $625,386.

In spite of the reduction in Texas rice acreage over the past 10 years, the industry continues to contribute a significant amount to the state’s economy. Now more than ever before, it is important for producers and researchers to strengthen alliances, and reaffirm commitments that will carry the rice industry forward into the 21st century.