More rice, less land

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released the 2012 Census of Agriculture full report.  The report comes every five years and contains comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the country.  All areas of farming and ranching operations are covered in the report, including production expenses, market value of products, and operator characteristics.  This data translates into vitally important market information for producers and consumers alike and helps shed light on the trends in agricultural production across the country. 

According to the 2012 report, the number of rice farms in the U.S. decreased from 6,084 in 2007 to 5,591 in 2012, a decrease of more than 8 percent.  Acreage across the country also dropped from 2,758,792 to 2,693,759, or about 2.5 percent.  Even with the significant weather events in 2012, and the clear drop in the number of farms and acres in 2012, production quantity increased by 1,700,598 hundredweights, highlighting the increased efficiencies achieved by producers in the past half-decade.

Later in the year, USDA will release ag production data refined by congressional district and watershed area. The full report on the United States can be reached here, state information here, and county level information here.

The USA Rice Federation will compose and release a full summary of the rice related information in the coming weeks.

Contact:  Evan Spencer, (703) 236-1476

Glossy ibex feeds in rice field.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that applications are now being accepted for some of the new conservation initiatives created by the 2014 Farm Bill.  The programs will provide up to $386 million to help farmers restore wetlands, protect working agriculture lands, support outdoor recreation activities and boost the economy.

Since 2009, USDA has partnered with more than 500,000 farmers, ranchers, and landowners to enroll a record number of acres in conservation programs.  Those programs have saved millions of tons of soil, improved water quality, contributed to the national effort to preserve habitat for wildlife, and protected the most sensitive ecological areas. 

"Conservation efforts are a key part of rice production," said USA Rice Federation Vice President of Government Affairs Reece Langley.  "The conservation programs announced yesterday are part of the new 2014 Farm Bill, and USA Rice is encouraged by the swift pace with which USDA is implementing both the new and re-authorized programs."

Applications for ACEP funding consideration in fiscal year 2014 must be submitted by the individual state deadline or June 6, 2014, whichever is earlier.  Applications and state deadline information can be obtained at your local USDA Service Center or at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

Contact:  Lauren Echols, (703) 236-1440

AARQ Association for the Administration of Rice Quotas, Inc.

Independent bids are invited for rights to ship U.S.-origin milled rice to the European Union under a tariff-rate quota (TRQ) granted by the EU to the United States.

Bids must be submitted on May 29, 2014 for the July 2014 TRQ Tranche, in which the following quantity is available:

            EU Duty

Semi-Milled or Milled Rice                             9,680                                       zero  

(HTS item 1006.30)

TRQ Certificates will be awarded to the highest bidder(s). Any person or entity incorporated or domiciled in the United States is eligible to bid.   The minimum bid quantity is 18 metric tons. Performance security (the lesser of $50,000 or the total value of the bid) must be submitted with each bid.   Potential bidders may obtain the required bid forms and bid instructions from:

AARQ Administrator

Economic Consulting Services, LLC

2001 L Street, NW, Suite 1000

Washington, D.C. 20036

Tel: (202) 466-1150       Fax: (202) 785-3330

Note: Potential bidders should consult regulations in the Official Journal of the European Union to determine the applicable tariff rate on semi-milled/milled rice. AARQ disclaims any responsibility for advising potential bidders on applicable tariff rates. Potential bidders should also consult EC regulations relating to testing for unauthorized GMOs.

Around Washington

Senators Voice Doubts on Asia Trade Deal ABC News

The deadline for the pact, which would cut tariffs and other barriers to trade, has been pushed back but Ambassador Froman said the administration will work to conclude negotiations during 2014

Around the USA

Extension Celebrating Century of Service Capital Ag Press

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, which created the national Cooperative Extension system

Lack of Water Taking California Farmers into Uncharted Territory CBS - Sacramento

Rice farmer Nicole Van Vleck said there will be about 100,000 acres less of rice grown this year when normally there are about 500,000

Water Deferral a Win-Win for California Rice Growers, Wildlife Western Farm Press

Growers of rice and other crops who tap into the Central Valley Project (CVP) will receive 75 percent of their federal water allocation this season

Science and Technology

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Agriculture: Engage Farmers in Research Nature

Involvement in a farmer-focused innovation programs in the United Kingdom is convincing evidence that participatory R&D could also boost agricultural innovation in rich countries

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Comprehensive history of the arsenic food safety issue