WASHINGTON, DC -- The promise of more open trade, travel, and business between Cuba and the United States got that much closer today when the Obama Administration announced new regulations on export policy that take effect tomorrow. The regulatory amendments are part of a process of normalization of relations between the two countries.

 

"We are analyzing how these changes will apply to the U.S. rice industry," said USA Rice Federation President and CEO Betsy Ward.  "The current rapid pace is an encouraging sign although we realize we're still at the front end of the process."

 

Just last week, the USA Rice joined with more than 25 prominent U.S. food and agriculture associations and companies to announce the launch of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC), a coalition that seeks to advance trade relations between the United States and Cuba.  The purpose of the USACC is to re-establish Cuba as a market for U.S. food and agriculture exports and address liberalizing trade between the United States and Cuba.

 

"Open trade with Cuba would be an enormous boon for U.S. rice farmers," said Ward. "There was a time when Cuba was the top destination for U.S.-grown rice -- we are ready to facilitate a return to those days."

 

Contact:  Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

 

USA Rice's Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf is the featured recipe on the cover of the LWES magazine, a publication (print and online) that generates more than 150,000 impressions a month.  The full recipe, rice nutrition information, and the "Grown in the USA" logo are highlighted in a two-page spread.  Rice is also featured in other sections of the publication including the "Dietitian's Corner" letter and the "Here's to Your Heart" article both discussing the health benefits of whole grains, like brown and wild rice. 

 

"The National Rice Month toolkit we developed for retail dietitians was a huge success and this next step to customize partnerships will help us promote U.S. rice throughout the year," said Paul Galvani, chairman of the USA Rice Retail Subcommittee.  "Working one-on-one with retail dietitians is a great way to increase visibility of U.S.-grown rice in the supermarket communication channels and boost consumer awareness and usage of U.S. rice." 

 

Contact:  Katie Maher (703) 236-1453

WASHINGTON, DC -- Net rice sales of 76,900 MT for 2014/2015 were up noticeably from the previous week and 68 percent from the prior four-week average, according to today's Export Sales Highlights report.  Increases were reported for Mexico (53,600 MT), Taiwan (9,000 MT), Haiti (7,400 MT), Iraq (3,000 MT), and Jordan (2,100 MT).  Decreases were reported for Japan (3,500 MT) and Colombia (1,300 MT). 

Exports of 44,900 MT were down 11 percent from the previous week and 27 percent from the prior four-week average. The primary destinations were Iraq (31,500 MT), Mexico (3,900 MT), Canada (2,600 MT), Honduras (1,600 MT), and South Korea (1,200 MT).

This summary is based on reports from exporters from the period January 2-8.