Mark Holt (left) and Riccardo Preve, president of FERM
Sep 08, 2023
BAVENO, ITALY -- USA Rice members and staff attended the biannual Convention of the Federation of European Rice Millers here this week. The two-day event featured presentations covering a wide range of topics impacting the rice industry in the EU and beyond such as trade policy and its implications on rice production, consumer trends, and how sustainable practices in rice production can contribute to food security and benefit the environment.
USA Rice has been a sponsor of the event for several years as it provides an opportunity to meet with different stakeholders from the European rice trade, including importers, mills, EU officials, and local rice associations.
Several USA Rice members were in attendance, and Mark Holt, vice president of sales & marketing at Riceland Foods and chair of the USA Rice Europe, Middle East and Africa Promotions and Trade Policy Subcommittees, gave a presentation on the supply outlook of the U.S. rice crop for the upcoming marketing year.
“With the new crop coming in, we look forward to exploring opportunities to grow sales of U.S. rice in the EU,” said Holt.
He also shared information on current U.S. rice industry sustainability accomplishments, highlighting the progress made on the ground in rice fields and rice operations, as well as innovative efforts like the salmon project in California rice fields.
"There was tremendous interest in our industry’s impressive sustainability story,” said Holt. “As this topic is going to continue to shape not only consumer perceptions and demand, but also policy decisions around the globe in the years to come, it is important that the U.S. has a seat at the table during these ongoing discussions.”