A regionally-based collaboration to regenerate soil, build farmer prosperity & boost vitality in the Delta, starting with rice.
Strengthening Regional Supply Chain 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 Wood, Arkansas | November 4-5, 2025
Join us for the official launch of Delta Regen Rice+, a regionally based collaboration to regenerate soil, build farmer prosperity & boost vitality in the Delta.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Day 1: Field Day at Chappell Farms
Cotton Plant, Arkansas
Co-hosted by the Arkansas Soil Health Alliance and the Soil & Climate Initiative, the Field Day will be held at Adam Chappell’s farm in Cotton Plant, AR.
We'll kick off with soil health demos that explain the fundamentals followed by a field tour showcasing cover cropping, composting, a soil pit, and more.
On-farm lunch and evening BBQ included.
Schedule | Tuesday, November 4
11:00 AM | Kick-Off, Garden Demo, Rainfall Simulator
12:30 PM | Light Lunch
1:30 PM | Pasture and Field Visits
5:30 PM | On-Farm BBQ and Social
Day 2: Market Development Sessions
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.
Networking lunch included.
Schedule | Wednesday, November 5
8:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM | Opportunities & Challenges for Regen Rice Market Development (working sessions)
11:00 AM | Defining Next Steps for Impact
12:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 PM | Funders Roundtable: Facilitated conversation among interested philanthropists and supporters to identify funding opportunities in the Delta.
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.
Day 1: Field Day transportation will be provided to and from Chappell Farms from the Wyndam Hotel.
Day 2: Both the Market Development Working Session and the Funder Roundtable will take place in the Wyndam Hotel conference rooms.
We have reserved a discounted room block. Call the hotel and mention Delta Regen Rice+ to receive the negotiated rate. (1-866-657-4458 toll free). We will offer a shuttle from the Wyndham to Chappell Farms in Cotton Plant on November 4.
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 in the Mississippi Delta.
Why This Matters
Delta Regen Rice+ is about more than one crop. It’s a model for how regenerative systems can scale through regional collaboration, stable demand, and shared risk.
By joining, you’ll help connect practice change in the field with real opportunities in the supply chain, supporting resilient farms, healthier soils, and stronger communities.
Spots are limited. Sign up today!
