Helping neighbors in need

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS - Today the Arkansas rice industry donated more than 128,000 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Rice Depot to help feed hungry Arkansans. Participating rice processors were Riceland Foods, Inc., Windmill Rice Company, Cormier Rice Milling, Producers Rice Mill, Riviana Foods, and Specialty Rice, Inc.

"The Arkansas rice industry is pleased to partner with the Arkansas Rice Depot to fight hunger in Arkansas," said Steve Orlicek, president of the Arkansas Rice Council. "We are proud that today's donation will provide 1.9 million servings of healthy and nutritious rice to hungry families across Arkansas."

Arkansas Rice Depot is the only statewide, faith-based food bank in Arkansas and one of only a handful of food banks in the nation that do not charge a fee for the food provided.  In 2013, Arkansas Rice Depot distributed approximately 9 million pounds of food and supplies, working with 300 food pantries and soup kitchens, more than 600 public schools, 70 Central Arkansas senior citizens, and in any community where a disaster strikes. 

Governor Beebe (4th from right) declared it a very rice month in Arkansas!

"I can't express how grateful we are for the Arkansas rice industry's generous donation," said Kim Aaron, President and CEO of Arkansas Rice Depot. "They continue to play an important role in our efforts to combat hunger here in Arkansas.  The support of the growers and mills will make an immediate difference to thousands of hungry children, families and seniors served by our programs."

Arkansas is the largest rice-growing state in the nation and Arkansas rice farmers and millers contribute over $6 billion each year to the state's economy, employing nearly 25,000 Arkansans.

Earlier Friday, Governor Mike Beebe issued a proclamation declaring September "Rice Month" in Arkansas.

Contact: Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541 

So many choices!

CLEVELAND, MS - Today, Delta Rice Promotions, Inc. sponsored the 24th Annual RiceTasting Luncheon, in honor of National Rice Month (NRM).  Nearly 1,500 people from across Mississippi joined the festivities to support local agriculture, and visit a variety of educational exhibits.  More than 300 rice dishes, made by community members and local restaurants, were donated for the rice tasting lunch.

"It is great to see the community come out to support the Mississippi Delta farmers," said Laura Giaccaglia, Mississippi State University Extension Service Coordinator.  "We look forward to celebrating National Rice Month each year because it allows us to educate the public about rice production and enjoy delicious rice dishes."

USA Rice participated in the event as an exhibitor and provided attendees with rice information, recipes, and NRM promotional gifts.

Contact: Katie Maher (703) 236-1453 

Here come your lawmakers...

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, the House and Senate approved a continuing resolution (CR) that will fund the Federal government at existing levels through December 11 of this year, including important USDA programs such as the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program.  The CR also extends authorization for the Export-Import Bank until June 30, 2015.

The CR was necessary as none of the individual appropriations bills have been approved by Congress, and the new fiscal year begins on October 1. 

Congress has now adjourned, and will not return until after the November 4 elections.  At that time, one of the "must do" items will be to address federal funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. Expectations are that an omnibus appropriations bill (all spending bills grouped together) will be passed prior to December 11. 

"An omnibus bill could contain some adjustments in spending levels and could include some policy related items as well," explained USA Rice president and CEO Betsy Ward. "We'll remain very engaged with Congress to ensure there are no surprises come November."

Contact: Reece Langley (703) 236-1472