Senator Jerry Moran (l) receives a U.S. Rice Industry Champion award from USA Rice Producers' Group Chairman John Owen

WASHINGTON, DC- - Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) opened the USA Rice Government Affairs Conference here today speaking frankly about trade with Iraq and Cuba, and sharing his view on how to approach agriculture priorities.

"The President could veto any bill we send him, but we have an appropriations process that can help us get the attention of the cabinet level secretaries at say, the Environmental Protection Agency," the Senator said while discussing the controversial Waters of the U.S. regulations.

Moran also made clear he is a strong supporter of agriculture trade.

"Ninety-five percent of ag consumers live outside the United States, and you export half your crop," he told the crowd, explaining why he thinks trade needs to be a top priority.

Moran informed the group that after leaving the rice meeting, he would be seeing Secretary of State John Kerry, and that he would ask the Secretary about the ongoing difficulties the U.S. rice industry is having with Iraqi tenders.

General Session attendees also heard an update on Cuba from USA Rice's Marvin Lehrer who said he believes the Island presents great opportunities for rice.

"They already know and love rice, so it's not like we need to do an education campaign," he said.  "And our logistical advantages are obvious.  Once all the legal hurdles are cleared, the market could return quickly."

USA Rice CEO Betsy Ward and USDA's Phil Karsting

The trade theme continued with the final speaker of the morning, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Phil Karsting.

"We are great partners with great programs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Ghana, and elsewhere," he said.  "I'm proud of our partnership, and you should be too."

Karsting told the group his agency "hears loud and clear on Iraq" and will keep working to find solutions.

He also spoke about Cuba, saying that while great progress has been made, there remains much to be done on the diplomatic front.

"Agriculture is an early item used to build bridges, and for good reason," he said.  "When farmers talk to farmers, good things happen."

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458  

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Rice Leadership Development Program's Class of 2013-2015 graduated from the prestigious program during a special ceremony at the USA Rice Federation's 2015 Government Affairs Conference this week. Rice Foundation Chairman Todd Burich and USA Rice Chairman Dow Brantley presided over the ceremony, congratulating the graduates and thanking program sponsors, John Deere, RiceTec, Inc, and American Commodity Company.

The class is made up of five rice producers: John Compton, Jennings, LA; Seth Fiack, Glenn, CA; Mark Isbell, North Little Rock, AR; Steven Schuler, Woodland, CA; and Joel Stevens, Monticello, AR; and two industry representatives: Robb Dedman with Pro Ag Consulting, Rison, AR; and Wes Long with RiceTec, Benton, AR.

The class was immediately put to work representing the rice industry during the conference, participating in multiple meetings with Members of Congress, staff from key Congressional Committees, and agency representatives.  A highlight of today's Washington session was the tour of the USDA's satellite weather center.

The group also met with Deputy Chief of the Cuban Interest Section Juan Lamiguerio and his staff to discuss the potential for rice trade between the two countries.

Contact:  Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541

New Leadership Class graduates (from left):  John Compton, Seth Fiack,  Wes Long, Joel Stevens, Robb Dedman, Mark Isbell, and Steven Schuler.

Around the Country

The Farm Bill, Ducks Unlimited and Conservation Delta Farm Press

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Tariffs and Trade

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Business groups and other backers of trade agreements say the legislation is critical to assure trading partners they won't be asked for deeper concessions on Capitol Hill after negotiations are complete.