Foodwise to develop and source specialty rice varieties

A sixth-generation row crop farmer from Jackson County wants to secure and expand food supply and production in the U.S. Hallie Shoffner has launched a pilot program, Foodwise, to develop and source specialty rice varieties from women and minority farmers across the mid-South.

As part of its launch, Foodwise contributed 15,000 pounds of Carolina Gold rice to the Arkansas Foodbank.

“At its roots, Foodwise is focused on honoring, preserving and strengthening America’s rich agricultural heritage,” said Shoffner, founder and CEO of Foodwise. “By elevating specialty rice varieties and the diverse farmers growing it sustainably, we can build a stronger and more climate-friendly industry.”

Shoffner is the CEO of SFR Seed, based in the township of Shoffner in Jackson County. Her parents, John and Wendy Shoffner, started SFR Seed in 1988, a soybean and rice research farm. Among other things, the company specializes in new seed plot trials. Shoffner decided to return to the family business in 2016, which included a 1,500-acre farm.

Foodwise is currently running pilot programs in Arkansas and Mississippi to assist local farmers in producing jasmine, basmati, pigmented rice and Carolina Gold varieties. Shoffner hopes to position the grain as a specialty rather than a commodity crop.

This will increase its commercial value, benefiting the traditionally underserved small and mid-size farmers that grow it. Shoffner said Foodwise’s efforts will also aid in lowering the carbon footprint by promoting sustainable practices while decreasing the country’s need to import these varieties.

“With food inflation and economic uncertainty, what perfect timing to receive this unexpected windfall of nutritious rice grown here in Arkansas. Foodwise’s generous donation of 15,000 pounds of specialty rice is a testament to their unwavering commitment to fighting hunger in our community,” said Brian Burton, CEO of the Arkansas Foodbank. “Hallie’s dual role as CEO of Foodwise and a board member of the Arkansas Foodbank exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to make a meaningful impact on food insecurity. Hundreds of struggling families throughout our service area will benefit.”

Arkansas is the top rice-producing state in America. Yet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that Arkansas has the highest level of food insecurity in the U.S., with 18% of the population facing hunger. The 300-year-old heirloom grain is the first specialty rice variety ever commercialized in the U.S.

Following a steady decline until its resurgence in the 1980s, Foodwise is now the largest single grower of Carolina Gold at more than 500 acres planted annually.