Important: Attention U.S. Rice Farmers & Allied Businesses
US RICE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
KATY, TEXAS
The US Rice Producers Association would like to release the following statement concerning recent developments in the U.S. rice industry.
“Missouri Rice Council Votes to Rejoin USA Rice (USA Daily)”
What last week’s news from the USA Rice Daily failed to point out is that this decision has been a debate in Missouri for more than two years, while being pressured to join to speak with one voice, along with the need for more funding for a top-heavy organization. The Missouri Rice Council board is made up of 11 people, which includes a rice miller and a tenant of the mill owner who both voted to join the Federation. The news report also failed to mention that the board’s decision was decided by 1 vote, as the chairman had to break a tie. That’s right, one vote decided on behalf of all the rice farmers in the State of Missouri. USA Rice includes all the major rice milling interests in the U.S., a constant conflict when it comes to farmer interests. The actions and past developments prove this repeatedly.
Let’s be very clear, despite some rumors, the US Rice Producers Association is moving forward with the same philosophy, true, honest representation of the U.S. rice farmer, while appreciating the support from so many farmers throughout our industry in all states and allied businesses.
USRPA’s Rice Market & Technology Convention in Cartagena, Major Success for U.S. Rice
Founded, organized, and hosted by the USRPA, the Rice Market & Technology Convention (RMTC) once again proved to be a tremendous success. This year, 256 rice companies from 35 countries gathered in Cartagena, Colombia, for the annual event. Every major U.S. rice exporter was represented, exhibit booths sold out well in advance, and attendance at key program sessions exceeded expectations.
What we find particularly ironic is that a USA Rice staff member was complimentary about the conference during the event itself, yet the report published in USA Rice Daily made it appear as though the USRPA had little or no role in its organization and success. Unfortunately, we view this as another example of an ongoing unwillingness to cooperate and a perception that any success within the U.S. rice industry occurring outside their organization reflects negatively on them. The reality is simple: U.S. rice companies need opportunities to sell rice, and those that attended RMTC clearly recognized the value of being there.
See their article published on May 29 and draw your own conclusions. Meanwhile, our customers throughout Mexico, Central America, and beyond continue to shake their heads at the situation. Once again, it appears to be about control. Some things never change
In the meantime, we look forward to another great conference in 2027 to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sponsors have already started lining up, and participants are saying this event is too good not to continue, including the numerous “members” of the USA Rice Federation. ∆
US RICE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION