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USA Rice Daily
Up-to-the-Minute News on Issues and Activities
Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Partnership with Big Y Dietitians Helps Boost Awareness and Sales of U.S. Rice   

USA Rice's Cranberry Pecan  
Rice Pilaf cover shot
makes an impression

ARLINGTON, VA -- Earlier this year, USA Rice participated in the Living Well Eating Smart (LWES) program at Big Y, a supermarket chain of more than 60 stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut. From January through March, shoppers were exposed to the many uses and nutritional benefits of U.S.-grown rice through a print and online newsletter, social media, as well as in-store signage and displays.

 

During the two-month promotion, Big Y's rice category saw a 5.8 percent increase in rice unit sales compared to the same time period last year.

 

"With a growing trend toward sustainable, locally-grown, nutritious foods, a focus on U.S.-grown rice was a perfect fit for our January Winter Warm-Ups theme," said Andrea Luttrell, Big Y Registered Dietitian. "It's important to educate shoppers on the health benefits of the foods they are purchasing. Our shoppers were very receptive to the messages about rice -- after all, it's such an affordable and versatile pantry staple! So reminding them that this delicious food comes with a host of nutritional benefits, and that it's grown in the USA, allows our shoppers to enjoy their eating experience while feeling good about what they are feeding their families."

   

Customized partnerships with retail dietitians are a great way to increase visibility of U.S.-grown rice in the supermarket communication channels and drive shopper interest in U.S.-grown rice.

 

Contact:  Katie Maher (703) 236-1453

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   
CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for April 28

Month
Price
Net Change
May 2015$9.965
+ $0.110
July 2015$10.235
+ $0.110
September 2015$10.505
+ $0.105
November 2015$10.760
+ $0.105
January 2016$11.010
+ $0.105
March 2016
$11.060
+ $0.105
May 2016
$11.060
+ $0.105

In the News 

Around the Country

Mississippi, USDA Agencies Begin Enrolling Farmers in CREP April 27 Delta Farm Press

This year marks the 30th year of USDA's Conservation Reserve Program, a federally-funded voluntary program that contracts with agricultural producers so that environmentally sensitive agricultural land is not farmed or ranched, but instead used for conservation benefits.

 

Why a Scientist is Growing Rice on a Marquette University Rooftop WUWM

According to molecular biologist Michael Schl�ppi, 80 percent of the rice Americans consume is grown in a handful of states, especially Arkansas and California. "But I think it would be wise to think about, with climate change or the drought in California, maybe they won't be able to grow rice anymore," he says.

 

 

Tariffs and Trade

Cuba Agricultural Trade Potential Could Exceed $1 Billion Southwest Farm Press

Parr Rosson, Texas A&M University agricultural economics department head, said a more open economy, coupled with less regulation by both governments, strong tourism and remittances, would pave the way for U.S. food and agricultural exports to potentially reach record levels within five years.

 

In US-Japan Talks, China is the Elephant in the Room New York Times

In an interview Monday, Obama tried not to portray the U.S. as an antagonist to China but said, "We don't want China to use its size to muscle other countries in the region around rules that disadvantage us."

 

Massive Trade Deal Could Come Down to Just Two Things: Rice and Cars Politico

Rice and cars have always been a sticking point in U.S-Japanese trade relations: Japan is very protective of its home-grown rice industry, which is ingrained in the country's culture, while the U.S. doesn't want Toyota and Honda to undercut the iconic Ford and Chevy pickup truck industry.

 

 

Health and Nutrition

2015 Arkansas Rice Expo Recipe Contest Renders Rice a Blank Canvas  

High Plains Journal

Think of that rice in your pantry as a blank canvas on which to create a dish that could win the 2015 Arkansas Rice Expo Recipe Contest. The deadline for receipt of entries is June 12 and winners of the preliminary round will be notified by July 1.

 

Lights, Camera, Action! MyPlate Video Search USDA Blog

A group of organizations (Gerber, Canned Food Alliance, Fresh Baby, USA Rice Federation, Chop, and School Nutrition Association) developed the video competition to get kids thinking creatively about applying MyPlate to their lives.

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