A regionally-based collaboration to regenerate soil, build farmer prosperity & boost vitality in the Delta, starting with rice.
Strengthening Regional Supply Chains for a Regenerative Future
Delta Regen Rice+ is a new program of SCI that is engaging stakeholders throughout the rice supply chain, including the philanthropic sector, to design and implement pilot projects that accelerate market development and sustainable agricultural practices.
With seed funding from Woka Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), we are enrolling rice farmers clustered in different growing regions into SCI’s program, supporting their transition to regenerative agriculture and reducing methane emissions.
Our initial goal is to enroll at least 50,000 acres in the program by 2028, and create a strong foundation for collaborative farm, market, and food systems in the Delta South built around regenerative agriculture, nutrient density, and farm prosperity.
Project Launch & Field Day
Little Rock & Cotton Plant, Arkansas | November 4-5, 2025
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Day 1: Field Day
Chappell Farms | Cotton Plant, Arkansas
Co-hosted by the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance and the Soil & Climate Initiative, we’ll kick off this Field Day with soil health demos that explain the fundamentals along with a field tour showcasing cover cropping, composting, a soil pit, and more.
On-farm lunch (sponsored by the IPM Institute) and evening BBQ included.
Tuesday, November 4
11:00 AM | Kick-Off
11:30 AM | Garden Demos (Rainfall Simulator & Slake Tubes)
12:30 PM | Light Lunch
1:30 PM | Pasture and Field Visits (Soil Pit, Cover Crops, Compost Site, Seed Plant)
5:00 PM | On-Farm BBQ and Social
Day 2: Market Development Sessions
Wyndham Riverfront | Little Rock, Arkansas
After the inspiring field day, we’ll bring the conversation into the marketplace. Farmers, buyers, brands, millers, funders will sit down together to map procurement pathways and identify what’s needed to derisk early contracts. Expect frank dialogue on quality, volumes, pricing, and verification, plus collaborative problem solving to build durable regional markets.
Light breakfast snacks and lunch included.
Wednesday, November 5
9:00 AM | Coffee and Introductions
9:45 AM | Regen Realities on the Ground (local Regen leaders)
10:10 AM | Opportunities & Challenges for Regen Rice Market Development
Facilitated session to map the landscape & identify and prototype solutions
11:30 AM | Defining Next Steps for Our Work Together
12:15 PM | Networking Lunch
Hotel & Venue
Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock
We’ll be hosting this event at the Wyndham Hotel Riverfront Little Rock, situated on the picturesque Arkansas River in the heart of downtown.
We have reserved a room block. Mention Delta Regen Rice+ to receive the discounted rate. Book by 10/22.
Who Should Attend?
Voices Across the Regenerative Rice Supply Chain
Farmers & ranchers exploring regenerative rice systems
Brands, retailers & foodservice seeking regenerative supply
Millers, distributors & aggregators building market bridges
Investors, NGOs, and advisors shaping transition finance
Health & research leaders linking soil, nutrition, and community wellbeing
Whether you’re working in production, markets, or investment, this is your chance to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of regenerative rice.
