The roots of a good relationship

STUTTGART and ENGLAND, AR and NEW ORLEANS, LA -- In an effort to increase rice sales to the foodservice industry in Canada, last week the USA Rice Federation hosted Canadian foodservice professionals and media on a tour through rice country in the southern United States.

The group included representatives from Aramark, a facilities management company; the Metro Toronto Convention Center, the largest convention center in Canada; and the Canadian Restaurant News, a publication which targets the foodservice industry.

The four-day tour offered the Canadians a holistic look at the U.S. rice industry, from seed to table.

In Arkansas, the group observed the harvest at rice farms in Stuttgart and England; toured packaging centers and mills at Riceland Foods and Producers Rice Mill; and, finally, got an overview of rice production at the University of Arkansas Rice Research & Extension Center.

The group also visited Russell Marine Group in New Orleans to learn about logistics and cargo inspection, and toured Eurofins and their analytical labs. 

"The group was one of the most engaged I've ever had the opportunity to host at my farm," said Dow Brantley, Arkansas rice farmer and chairman of USA Rice.  "They were interested in our whole process from farm to table.  They had questions about food safety and quality, and I think they left feeling good about U.S. rice."

In the test kitchen

USA Rice has conducted marketing promotions in Canada for nearly two decades, but recent marketing activities have focused more on the foodservice sector, which is able to impact a larger audience (most recently see USA Rice Daily story, August 19, 2014). 

"Participants were specifically selected because of their potential to supply U.S. rice to thousands of Canadians," said Virginia Zimm, USA Rice's marketing contractor in Canada.  "This was a real eye-opening experience for everyone and I think we'll see some lasting benefits from this visit." 

Last year, Canada was the United States' fourth largest rice export destination.  The U.S. exported over 235,000 MT of rice to Canada in 2013, valued at $170 million.  Exports for the first seven months this year are trending about 9 percent higher than last year.

Contact:  Sarah Moran (703) 236-1457

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA), released new materials this week to help clarify conservation compliance provisions for crop insurance participants. Under The Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), participants in Federal crop insurance programs must also comply with NRCS conservation provisions for Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation.

Materials include a fact sheet, FAQ's, and an interactive compliance process flow chart. Visit the NRCS website or contact your local NRCS office for more information.

Contact: Reece Langley (703) 236-1471

Announcement:           22 September 2014

Tender:                        26 September 2014

Offer details:               43,000 mt

Shipping period:          From 10 November 2014 to 10 December 2014 (medium grain)

                                    From 10 November 2014 to 20 December 2014 (long grain)

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