Growing Rice in the Northeastern USA is an effort to support sustainable, small-scale, organic rice production in the northeastern United States. This website highlights experiences on Akaogi Farm in Westminster West, Vermont and provides agricultural and environmental information about rice cultivation in this northern climate extreme. Details about the annual summer conference are also available.


The 4th Annual Northeast USA Rice Conference

The 4th Annual Northeast USA Rice Conference will be held at Akaogi Farm in Westminster West, Vermont on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The conference will focus on saving rice seed and small-scale rice processing equipment. Lunch will be provided. Learn More.


About Us

Since 1985, Linda and Takeshi Akaogi have been farming organically in Westminster West, Vermont on the Earthbridge Community Land Trust. Over the years, they have planned their ten acre farm to use the landscape and grow fruits and vegetables sustainably. Throughout the farm there are wet areas unsuitable for traditional agriculture. Growing rice in these marginal lands seemed to be a possible solution. With this idea, the Akaogis focused their efforts to research the potential for growing paddy rice sustainably and productively on their farm. More >>


This effort is currently funded by the National Science Foundation. In 2008 and 2009, funding was provided by a Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grant.