Nancy Dollar Garrett

USA Rice extends deepest condolences to the family 

and friends of Nancy Garrett, 66, of Danbury, TX, who passed away on May 22.   Survivors include her husband of 37 years, John Travis "Jacko" Garrett, and daughters Traci Garrett LaChance, Christy Garrett Jennings and their families.   

Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Danbury.   A rosary will follow at 7 p.m.   A funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony's at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts to Our Lady Queen of Peace Nest Egg Campaign or to a charity of your choice.  For more information, or to leave an online condolence, please see www.palmsfuneralhome.com, (979) 849-4343.

Farming rice, raising cattle, making a difference - the Garretts exemplify the generous, faithful and innovative spirit of farming families and communities.  Nancy Garrett will be greatly missed.  

Havana could become a key U.S. rice market again

WASHINGTON, DC - The USA Rice Federation has long advocated for the resumption of agricultural trade with Cuba, and in fact, was among the earliest agricultural groups to travel to Cuba as early as 1999 on fact finding and trade missions. This week, those efforts received a shot in the arm when more than 40 former U.S. officials sent a letter to President Obama asking for him to reconsider the nearly 60 year trade embargo with Cuba. The letter states that, "The U.S. is finding itself increasingly isolated internationally in its Cuba policy," and draws on a recent survey by the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan think tank, that found 56 percent of Americans were in favor of the U.S. government changing its policy toward Cuba.

"Historically Cuba was a very important market for us, and we've long advocated for its restoration," said Fred Zaunbrecher, Chairman of the USA Rice Federation's Domestic Promotion Committee and a Louisiana rice farmer. "Per capita rice consumption in Cuba is amongst the highest in the world, and we know there is demand for high-quality U.S. rice in Cuba. Substantial financial and economic challenges face traders doing business there, but U.S. policy towards Cuba is an additional constraint that is keeping U.S. producers and exporters from meeting Cuba's consumer demand. "

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also announced that their president, Thomas Donohue, will lead a delegation of business executives to Cuba next week. Demonstrating the powerful potential of agriculture trade with Cuba, the Chief Financial Officer of Cargill Inc., Marcel Smits, will accompany Donohue.

Prior to the embargo, Cuba was the top export market for U.S. rice. Since then, agriculture trade has been diminished and the last sales of U.S. rice to Cuba were made in 2008. The USA Rice Federation remains committed to working with the Obama Administration and Congressional leaders to increase access in this historic market. 

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

Congress Overwhelmingly Passes WRRDA Feedstuffs

WRRDA will bring $6 billion in total cost savings and important reforms to ensure the reliability and strength of our nation's inland waterways and ports

Senate Passes California Drought Relief Bill Agri-Pulse

The Emergency Drought Relief Act passed by unanimous consent and would give federal and state water agencies additional flexibility to deliver water where it is most needed

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11-Year Old Duck Whisperer Hopes to Quack His Way to the Duck Call World Championship

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Science and Technology

Rice Husk Used in Temperature-Resistant Paints Oryza

Paints made from nano silica separated from rice husks can sustain high temperatures of up to 1,300 degrees Celsius and can protect surfaces, such as concrete, steel or wood for a period of 4 to 6 hours