ITC members at a recent meeting with USA Rice staff

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. International Trade Commission's (ITC) hearing on factors influencing global rice markets, scheduled for next week, has been canceled.  In lieu of the hearing, the agency will accept written statements.

"We're in regular communication with ITC investigators, so canceling the hearing will not adversely affect the investigation," said Bob Cummings, COO of USA Rice.  "The agency has heard loud and clear that we believe the U.S. rice industry faces unfair competition, not just from industries in other countries, but entire systems and bureaucracies designed to tip the playing field against us.  We'll support those claims in the statement and evidence we submit next week."

Cummings said USA Rice staff and members will continue to make themselves available to investigators in support of the investigation, including during a meeting this week on rice provisions of the new farm bill, and a planned session with industry leadership in conjunction with the World Market Price committee meetings in October.  A full report from the Commission is due to Congress next April.

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458

Go green and shop in style with this reusable foldaway tote.   

The bag folds into a carrying pouch with drawstring and is equipped with 18" shoulder straps for easy transportation.    

Show your pride in the U.S. rice industry wherever you shop and Reach for Rice this September and all year long with our durable grocery bag.

Order these and other promotional items at the USA Rice Online Store.

Dolcini at work

In 2011, Dolcini served as the acting FSA Administrator in Washington, DC.  Prior to his appointment, he worked for a Fortune 500 technology consulting firm and was on the staff of the California Governor, California Lieutenant Governor, and two California members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Mr. Dolcini's wealth of experience with FSA in Washington and in the field will serve him well in his new position," said USA Rice President and CEO Betsy Ward.  "We look forward to working with him."  

Contact:  Reece Langley (7043) 236-1471

Around Washington

Peterson: Witt Assured of Agriculture Panel Spot Kansas City Star

The top Democrat on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday said former Federal Emergency Management Agency Director James Lee Witt is assured a spot on the panel if he wins his bid for a south Arkansas congressional seat this fall.

'To-Do List' on Food Safety Grows Longer for Agencies The Hill

Upon approval of The 2010 Food Safety Modernization Act in 2010, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the FDA would need an additional $583 million over five years to carry out its new mission.

USDA Urges Producers to Act on Disaster Programs Agri-Pulse

USDA is urging producers eligible for disaster programs to take steps necessary to take part in those programs before congressionally-mandated decrease in funding that begins October 1, the start of the government fiscal year.

Around the Country

As California Warms, Greener Mountains Will Mean Less Water for People  

National Geographic

The climate warming expected in this century is likely to result in even less water flow from the mountains, as trees and plants growing higher on the slopes soak up more of the available precipitation.

Chance of 'Megadrought' in U.S. Southwest now 50%, Study Concludes  

Los Angeles Times

According to researchers, the findings are important for governments to consider as they develop strategies for coping with the effects of climate change in densely populated areas where megadroughts would pose "unprecedented challenges" to water resources.

Record Crops Spur Exits from Agriculture Investment Funds Bloomberg

Speculator bets on an agriculture rally are down 78 percent since early April as farmers in the U.S., the world's largest grain grower, prepare to collect what the government predicts will be record harvests.

Small vs. Large: Which Size Farm is Better for the Planet Washington Post

The kind of farm that doesn't get talked about, and that may combine the best of small and large, is what economists call "the ag of the middle."