Michael Rue (third from left) fields questions

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Representatives of the U.S. rice industry and the Japanese government met Wednesday and Thursday to discuss technical issues related to the trade between the two countries in rice.

"This year mark the 20th anniversary of market access in Japan for U.S. rice," said Alex Balafoutis of PGP International and chairman of the U.S. side.  "This is the 17th technical meeting, which is an important opportunity to discuss, review, and resolve technical issues in ongoing efforts to make the trade between the U.S. and Japan as transparent as possible."

The two sides reviewed the supply and demand trend of rice in Japan and the United States, the U.S. Rice export situation, and quality issues.  The meeting concluded with a tour of a rice field north of Sacramento and a tour of Farmers Rice Cooperative's mill in West Sacramento.

Both sides agreed to meet next year in Tokyo.

Contact:  Bob Cummings (703) 236- 1473