Ambassador Froman

WASHINGTON, DC -- This afternoon, United States Trade Representative Michael Froman testified before the Senate Finance Committee.  In his remarks, Ambassador Froman noted the important role of opening markets for "Made in America" exports while fully enforcing our trade laws and rights.

During the hearing, Senators addressed a range of issues from Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and currency manipulation. 

With respect to the TPP negotiations, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) asked if the Ambassador could provide an update on President Obama's negotiations with Prime Minister Abe during their meeting in Japan last week.  Ambassador Froman said the two men have, "identified a path forward for agriculture products and automotives in Japan, which will allow for continued momentum to the TPP negotiations."

"The USA Rice Federation appreciates the many days and hours put in by Ambassador Froman and his staff to improve access for U.S. rice in Japan," said Bob Cummings, USA Rice COO.   "It's good to have a path forward, but we need to see concrete offers from Japan about how the quantity and quality of U.S. rice access will improve significantly in TPP, and we continue to work with USTR to this end."

In closing, Chairman Wyden noted the importance of trade enforcement, saying, "We (the United States) honor our trade agreements, but our partners don't necessarily do the same." The Chairman asked that the Ambassador commit to monitor and enforce existing trade agreements while also seeking new opportunities to grow access for U.S. goods.

Contact:  Lauren Echols, (703) 236-1440

ARLINGTON, VA -- USA Rice Federation and the California Wild Rice Advisory Board (CWRAB) launched "Explore the Wild - Rice Recipe Contest" today.  The contest encourages consumers to cook with U.S.-grown wild and regular rice to create an innovative, delicious, and easy-to-prepare dish.

To enter the contest, consumers submit original recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes using U.S.-grown wild rice blends.  Three winners will receive gift cards and Aroma rice cookers, and their recipes will be published on the USA Rice and CWRAB websites.  The thirty-one day contest will conclude on May 31 and winners will be announced June 9.

The contest will be publicized on social media outlets throughout the month and in a USA Rice consumer e-newsletter.

Contact:  Katie Maher, (703) 236-1453

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