IMPACT OF FEDERAL RICE TARIFF POLICIES ON THE PRODUCTION CHALLENGES OF U.S. RICE FARMERS

Abstract

Rice is Rice remains a vital staple crop in the United States, playing a central role in sustaining the agricultural economy and supporting rural livelihoods across major producing states such as Arkansas, California, Louisiana, and Texas. This study investigates the difficulties encountered by American rice farmers within the framework of federal rice import regulations, specifically those associated with the U.S. Rice Tariffication and Import Liberalization policy. Adopting a hermeneutic phenomenological research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with six rice producers from Arkansas and Louisiana to explore their lived experiences and perspectives. The findings uncovered three major areas of concern. First, federal import policies have exerted significant economic pressure through unstable rice prices, increasing production expenses, and a growing dependence on intermediaries due to limited access to direct markets. Second, heightened competition from imported rice varieties has undermined local farmers’ profitability and financial resilience. Third, farmers have responded by employing adaptive strategies such as minimizing input costs, diversifying crop production, forming cooperatives, and engaging in advocacy for stronger governmental support. Additionally, the study identifies perceived deficiencies in institutional assistance from key agricultural bodies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Based on these findings, the study recommends a reassessment of federal rice import policies, enhanced domestic market protection mechanisms, improved infrastructural support, and targeted financial aid for rice producers. Future research should further examine the long-term socioeconomic implications of import liberalization within U.S. rice-growing regions.