Arkansas Cotton Growers Get Rebate Boost

Cotton producers in Arkansas will receive a 75 cent per acre rebate from the Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation (ABWEF) for 2017 acreage. Over $318,000 in payment is expected for growers by the end of April, according to the Arkansas Agriculture Department.

The boll weevil was eradicated in Arkansas in 2006. ABWEF received loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to run the eradication program which started in 1997. The FSA loans were paid off in 2015.

“We are very excited for our cotton producers. This rebate is unlike anything offered before by the program,” says Regina Coleman, ABWEF executive director. “Our program has remained dedicated to the best interests of Arkansas cotton growers. Even after lowering assessments last year, our finances are allowing us to keep a two year reserve in place to ensure the sustainability of the program and offer a rebate to our cotton farmers.”

See here for more on the ABWEF, or here for more on the history of boll weevil eradication.