Cotton growers to receive rebate from Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation

The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation (ABWEF) board of directors voted Wednesday, February 7 to authorize the distribution of a $1 per acre cash rebate to growers for reported 2023 cotton acres registered with the Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Program. A total payout of $485,730 will be returned to Arkansas cotton growers.

“Production agriculture has never been more expensive and financially burdensome on the growers than it is today,” said Joe Mencer, a grower from Chicot County and ABWEF Chairman. “We’re pleased to support the grower in this way to alleviate some of those financial pressures and return their money to their pockets.”

“The board is committed to the stewardship and effective use of the dollars we’re entrusted with to reduce expenses while maintaining exceptional service,” said Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation Executive Director Regina Coleman. “This rebate is another way we support our growers and protect their bottom lines.”

The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation (ABWEF) began eradication operations in Arkansas in 1997, making annual expansions that ultimately grew to include all cotton-producing areas in the state over time. ABWEF successfully eradicated the boll weevil in Arkansas in 2008. Since then, ABWEF continues to operate under a maintenance program monitoring the state for the presence of boll weevils, which is entirely a prevention effort.

Learn more about ABWEF and its mission to protect the Arkansas cotton industry, at ABWEP.org.