WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, Senator John Boozman (R-AR) addressed his colleagues from the Floor of the Senate and gave a salute to the rice industry as it celebrated the 25
th Anniversary of National Rice Month in September.
Senator Boozman represents the largest rice-growing state in the United States, accounting for more than half of the annual rice production and the industry employs more than 25,000 Arkansans. In his first term in the U.S. Senate, Senator Boozman has been a strong voice for the entire rice industry among fellow Members of Congress.
Boozman shared that he’s “proud to promote policies that enable our farmers to manage risk and ensure that high quality US rice remains a staple on tables throughout the globe.”
His floor speech followed one day after the introduction of legislation by Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR) that would remove agricultural trade and financing barriers with Cuba. Senator Boozman appropriately supported his fellow Arkansan’s bill when he said, “The rice industry stands to benefit from a change in policies with Cuba, because it’s a staple of the Cuban diet.”
Boozman touted many statistics and benefits the rice industry provides, including contributions to the rice-growing states in the Mississippi Delta region’s economy and wildlife.