The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has announced that four of the state’s agriculture commodity research and promotion boards are now accepting proposals for new research and promotional initiatives. These boards—funded by commodity assessments—exist to advance production, expand markets, and strengthen Arkansas’s agricultural economy.
Agriculture remains Arkansas’s largest industry, and Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward emphasized the impact these boards have in shaping the future of farming.
“By investing in research and promotion today, they help secure a stronger agriculture industry tomorrow,” Ward said. “The projects they fund, whether to improve production, expand markets, or promote Arkansas products, ensure Arkansas agriculture remains strong, competitive, and thriving for the future.”
During the last fiscal year, Arkansas commodity boards allocated $11.5 million to research and promotional projects across the state.
Commodity Boards Currently Accepting Proposals
Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board
Accepting proposals through January 9, 2026
Research funding goal: $2.4 million
Research funding meetings: January 29–30, 2026
Promotion funding amounts to be set February 4, 2026
Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board
Accepting proposals through January 9, 2026
Funding amounts determined at meetings February 2–3, 2026
Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
Accepting proposals through January 31, 2026
Funding amounts set at meetings March 12–13, 2026
Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board
Accepting proposals from January 2–April 1, 2026
Funding amounts set at a meeting scheduled after January 29, 2026
Boards Not Currently Accepting Proposals
Arkansas Beef Council — Expected to open proposals Spring 2026
Arkansas Wheat Promotion Board — Expected to open proposals Late Spring 2026
How to Apply
Proposal requirements and submission guidelines for all six boards are available on the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website. Updates to proposal windows will also be posted online as they become available.
Funding decisions for all boards are made during public meetings, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the investment process.
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