• U.S. Paddy Allowed Unhindered Access into Colombia

    Jun 22, 2017

    On June 6, 2017, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) published “Official Resolution #6705 of 2017” which removed a previous resolution that restricted imported U.S. paddy rice to the port of Barranquilla. The previous resolution also implemented phytosanitary measures for the transportation of U.S. paddy rice and for the management of residues (such as husks) after being milled in Colombia. These mitigation procedures and restrictions to one port in Colombia are now null and void. Full story
  • Iraq Extends Agreement on U.S. Rice

    Jun 21, 2017

    USA Rice orchestrated a coordinated effort with U.S. State Department and Embassy officials here to ensure the extension of the U.S.-Iraq Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for rice that was set to expire last week. It has now been confirmed that the MOU has been extended by the government of Iraq until January 2018. The extension means exporters of U.S.-grown rice will have additional opportunities to make sales to Iraq through January of next year. Full story
  • USTR Ag Negotiator Nominated and Acting Deputy Under Secretaries at USDA Named to Keep the Ball Moving

    Jun 20, 2017

    A key trade figure has been nominated and acting undersecretaries named. Full story
  • CA miller Alex Balafoutis shakes hands with and gives plaque to LA miller Robert Trahan USA Rice Millers’ Association Announces New Chairman, Vice Chairman

    Jun 19, 2017

    Last week, the USA Rice Millers’ Association (RMA) announced the election of Alex Balafoutis, Vice President of Sales for the Rice Business Unit at PGP International in Woodland, California, and Keith Gray, Vice President of Supply Chain at Riviana Foods, as chairman and vice chairman, respectively. Each will serve a two-year term that begins August 1, 2017. Full story
  • DP-USA Rice Welcomes Cameron Jacobs-170619 USA Rice Welcomes Cameron Jacobs

    Jun 19, 2017

    Cameron Jacobs joins the Domestic Promotion team. Full story
  • U.S. Rice Makes an Impression at the Friendly Culture Fair in Mexico

    Jun 16, 2017

    USA Rice participated in the International Fair of Friendly Cultures in Mexico City to promote U.S. rice at the most widely attended festival yet. Full story
  • Trump Changes Course on Cuba; Impact to Ag Unclear

    Jun 16, 2017

    Trump Changes Course on Cuba; Impact to Ag UnclearPresident Trump is asking the Treasury and Commerce Departments to revise policies regarding Cuba. The impact is unclear, but could have a chilling effect on agriculture trade. Full story
  • GA.w-2017-Ag-Census-Logo-170418 Census of Agriculture Sign-Up Deadline June 30

    Jun 15, 2017

    The 2017 Census of Agriculture deadline is fast approaching. Sign up to be counted today! Full story
  • As Warmer Weather Invades Canada, So Too Do New Rice Recipes

    Jun 14, 2017

    USA Rice Canada has taken advantage of a seasonal shift in Canadian eating habits to reach out to consumers with new rice recipes and concepts. Full story
  • Perdue, Ag Priorities, and Seersucker Come Together at Delta Council Meeting

    Jun 13, 2017

    Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, the featured guest at the Delta Council Annual Meeting explained that collaborating, eliminating, innovating, and celebrating are his four action words for rebuilding struggling rural communities in the country. Full story
  • USA Rice to Administration: Do No Harm in NAFTA Modernization

    Jun 12, 2017

    USA Rice reminded the Trump Administration that NAFTA remains a win for U.S. rice and urged negotiators to be mindful of the benefits the agreement has brought and to do no harm as it is modernized. Full story
  • USDA Logo WASDE Report Released

    Jun 09, 2017

    U.S. 2016/17 rice ending stocks are lowered 2 million cwt this month on increased exports. Milled exports for 2016/17 are raised 4 million cwt on strong demand particularly in the Middle East. However, rough exports for 2016/17 are lowered 2 million cwt on a correction in Census data for shipments to El Salvador; the correction also led to a slight reduction in 2015/16 rough exports. Full story
  • Congressional Hearing Slams Proposed Food Aid Cuts

    Jun 09, 2017

    Earlier this week the House Committee on Agriculture convened a hearing on the FY2018 budget proposal from President Trump that calls for the elimination of both the Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole Food For Education food assistance programs. The slate of witnesses represented almost every aspect of the food assistance delivery chain from farmer to processor, implementer (humanitarian organizations and Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs)), and the maritime industry that brings the commodities from U.S. ports to their final destinations. Full story
  • IP.w-Fecarroz-Mtg-in-Miami-170608 USA Rice Continues Dialog with Customers in Key Central American Markets

    Jun 08, 2017

    A USA Rice delegation met with leaders of Fecarroz, the Central America Rice Federation, here this week for wide-ranging discussions on the current rice market situation and export opportunities, as well as concerns Fecarroz members wanted to raise with their U.S. counterparts that vary by country. Full story
  • IP.w-Secy-Perdue-at-FAS-event-in-Canada-170607 Ag Leaders Meet with Secretary Perdue on Critical FAS Programs

    Jun 07, 2017

    Twelve members of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) representing a broad cross-section of agricultural groups met yesterday with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to discuss the future of USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) programs. President Trump's 2018 budget completely eliminates funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD). Full story
  • DP.w-Confused-Shopper-170606 Health Survey Shows Consumer Confusion, But Bright Spots for Rice

    Jun 06, 2017

    According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 12th Annual Food and Health Survey, food information overload is having a detrimental effect on decisions Americans make when it comes to diet and health, however, there’s good news for rice in some areas. Full story
  • IP.w-Mexico-Market-Share-on-the-Upswing,-Los-Canarios-170605 Mexico Market Share on the Upswing

    Jun 05, 2017

    U.S. rice exports to Mexico in the first four months of 2017 are up an impressive 23 percent over last year, bringing the U.S. market share to 93 percent, the highest since 2013. According to official Government of Mexico (GOM) sources, total U.S. rice exports to Mexico were 354,000 MT while third country exports were down nearly 60 percent, at 25,000 MT. Full story
  • IP-Magnificent Seven bar scene-170602 U.S. Rice on the Menu in Japan

    Jun 02, 2017

    Interest continues to grow in both foodservice and retail sectors in Japan for U.S. rice due to a number of factors, including versatility and price. Full story
  • Crawford Keeps Cuba Conversations on Course

    Jun 01, 2017

    Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford, long a leader advocating for changing course on U.S.-Cuba policy has previously introduced legislation to help normalize trade relations between the countries. Despite his efforts, and the support of the U.S. rice industry, earlier legislation has not advanced. Crawford is now pushing for a compromise solution he struck with Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) that will keep the discussion about Cuba moving forward. Full story
  • Rep-Clay-Higgins-with Fred Zaunbrecher in front of red combine Congressman Clay Higgins Tours Louisiana Rice Country

    Jun 01, 2017

    Yesterday, USA Rice staff from Louisiana organized a tour of the Louisiana rice industry for Congressman Clay Higgins. Higgins was accompanied by in-state and Washington, DC staff because he felt it was important for him and his staff to learn first-hand about Louisiana rice. In his introductory comments, Higgins said, "I'm interested in serving Louisiana and what I don't know, I'm willing to learn." Full story

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