Close inspection

HAMBURG, GERMANY -- A USA Rice Federation delegation began their week-long visit of Europe here yesterday, stopping at retail outlets and meeting with the trade to discuss the 2014 crop and opportunities for U.S. rice in Europe.

USA Rice members Carl Brothers, Chris Bonnesen, Keith Glover, and Marvin Baden joined staff members Bob Cummings, Hartwig Schmidt, and Eszter Somogyi in meetings with four major German rice mills and distributors.  The U.S. delegation shared rice supply expectations for 2015 and highlighted the industry´s successful efforts to rid the crop of any GMOs.

Although the U.S. government now states U.S. rice is free of GM, and supply is expected to make U.S. rice more price competitive in the coming year, the Germans explained recent changes to their market that make the re-entry of U.S. rice daunting.  Cited in particular is the ability of countries such as Cambodia to export rice to EU countries duty-free under the "Everything But Arms" program.

"The U.S. has a superior product and the industry has successfully addressed environmental and social concerns of this market, but it's clear we have more work to do before our German customers return to us," said Keith Glover, president and CEO of Producers Rice Mill and chairman of USA Rice's World Market Price committee.

The delegation is now heading to the United Kingdom for meetings there and to participate in the UK Rice Symposium later this week.

Contact:  Bob Cummings (703) 236-1473

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