COLLEGE PARK, MD and WASHINGTON, DC – Throughout the week, NASA Acres hosted a series of science meetings at the University of Maryland in College Park, which were joined by the NASA Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT). The meeting series showcased how satellite technology and Earth observation science can help address challenges facing U.S. agriculture and launched the Seeding Satellite Solutions Partnership Program (SSSPP). 

Since NASA Acres began, USA Rice has collaborated with the program, which also participated in the 2023 USA Rice Outlook.  

On Tuesday, USA Rice attended a NASA Acres reception on Capitol Hill, where Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) addressed attendees on the role of NASA Acres for U.S. agriculture. The event highlighted how NASA’s Earth observation science and satellite technology can help farmers improve profitability, efficiency, and resilience. Rice farmers and FIAT representatives Mark Isbell and Brad Doyle were in attendance. 

On Wednesday and Thursday, the University of Maryland hosted science meetings, panels, and breakout sessions on its College Park campus. During the Tuesday session, NASA Acres announced its SSSPP, which aims to bring together farmers, commodity organizations, researchers, and NASA experts to develop practical applications of satellite technology that address challenges such as pest and disease detection, crop monitoring, and resource management.

“USA Rice is proud to have partnered with NASA over the years and to participate in one of the initial NASA Acres program launches,” said USA Rice Vice President of Government Affairs Jake Westlin. “The Seeding Satellite Solutions Partnership Program is an exciting new chapter in that collaboration that will help U.S. rice farmers innovate, address pest and disease challenges, and remain sustainable in an ever-changing world.”

The announcement comes as rice growers face emerging production challenges. Last year, the invasive rice delphacid caused significant damage in Texas and parts of Louisiana, demonstrating the need for new tools to help producers swiftly identify and respond to threats. 

SSSPP was launched with partners from USA Rice, the Sorghum Checkoff, and Corteva Agriscience. 

USA Rice looks forward to continuing its collaboration with NASA Acres, the Farm Innovation Ambassador Team, and the new Seeding Satellite Solutions Partnership Program.

Published Date: July 17, 2026