Fan favorite Ricky Rice

ISTANBUL, TURKEY -- The USA Rice Federation recently partnered with two of Turkey's major hypermarket chains, CarrefourSA and Kiler, to promote their private label U.S. rice brands "Kilerim" and "Carrefour."  The five-day promotion included installation of outdoor and indoor billboards featuring the two U.S. rice brands and inviting consumers to visit the hypermarkets to taste test the products.  The campaign was scheduled during the time just before and at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started on June 28, as this is the highest rice consumption period throughout the year.

The hypermarkets provided space for the U.S. rice product displays within the stores free of charge.  USA Rice booths were decorated with balloons and posters, and the Ricky Rice mascot created buzz and attracted consumers while handing out recipe booklets and informational material.  Special radio announcements invited customers to taste healthy U.S. rice recipes cooked and presented by the famous gourmet chef Elif Korkmazel.

Contact: Eszter Somogyi, 011-49-40-4503-8667

Around Washington

Debate Over School Lunch Nutrition Standards Delays Agriculture Spending Roll Call

Republicans in the House and Senate want to use the fiscal 2015 Agriculture spending bill to delay - or allow waivers from - rules aimed at putting more fruits, vegetables and whole grains on school menus and reducing sodium, sugar and fat.

Washington Week Ahead: Focus on International Trade Talks Agri-Pulse

Look for trade issues to make headlines this week as U.S. efforts continue to forge two major commercial treaties, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with 11 other Asia-Pacific nations, and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) with the European Union. Agricultural issues are among the major obstacles in both negotiations.

Around the Country

On the Road to the School Nutrition Association Conference USDA Blog

This annual event provides an opportunity for stakeholders in the school nutrition community to network, gain ideas, and learn from one another.

Science and Technology

Core Truths: 10 Common GMO Claims Debunked Popular Science

So what, exactly, do consumers have to fear? To find out, Popular Science chose 10 of the most common claims about GMOs and interviewed nearly a dozen scientists. Their collective answer: not much at all.