Ward talks trade to a packed house in Mississippi

STONEVILLE, MS -- The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Summer Rice Grower Policy Meeting was held yesterday, and USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward and Government Affairs Vice President Ben Mosley were featured speakers. 

Ward spoke about the extensive promotion programs USA Rice conducts in 30 global markets and about exciting developments in new and developing markets around the world.

"Exports are vital for our industry which is why we are working so hard to secure access in Iraq, protect our Mexican market, and to open the Cuban and Chinese markets in viable ways," she told the crowd.

Mosley provided updates on Congressional outreach being conducted by USA Rice. 

"We are continuously meeting with our friends in Congress and also educating new Members to ensure our rice priorities are well understood," he said.

Mosely also reminded attendees about 2014 Farm Bill provisions that USA Rice aggressively advocated for such as Price Loss Coverage and the new crop insurance products, Supplemental Coverage Option, and Margin Protection.

"We're working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and their Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency to ensure these programs work to the best benefit of rice farmers."

USA Rice staff also attended the Mississippi Rice Promotion Board meeting and the Mississippi Rice Field Day at the conclusion of the Farm Bureau Grower Meeting. 

Contact:  Chuck Wilson (870) 673-7541

Dr. Ed Redona discusses current developments in rice breeding research.

Around Washington

Memo Warns of Fatal Flaws in WOTUS Rule Agri-Pulse

Internal documents released by a House committee show the Army Corps of Engineers questioning the legal and technical basis for the Obama administration's Clean Water Act rule just weeks before its release. 

Sen. Diane Feinstein Introduces $1.3 Billion California Drought-relief Bill  

Los Angeles Times

Feinstein's proposal would funnel $1.3 billion over the next decade to storage, desalination and other projects. Her plan is in marked contrast to one approved by the GOP-controlled House, which would pump more water to San Joaquin Valley growers by rolling back environmental protections.

Twelve Lawsuits Brought Against EPA's Clean Water Rule to be Heard Together Agri-Pulse

Because the suits address common issues, EPA and the Army Corps asked to have the petitions consolidated by the Judicial Panel on Multi-District litigation. The panel agreed, and then randomly selected a circuit court to hear the challenges.

Around the Country

4 Pilot Projects to Watch: Farmers Raise Yields, Climate Hopes  

Environmental Defense Fund

Pilot programs are proving that we can tackle climate change through agriculture while maintaining or increasing yields - and while offering additional income for farmers.

Tariffs and Trade

Pacific Trade Negotiators Chase Elusive Final Deal Amid Tough Trade Talks  

New York Times

Negotiators have stressed they are doing their utmost to close the deal this week but also warned that not all industries will get what they want, amid a flurry of last-minute appeals.

Vietnam: Issues Mount as Final Round of TPP Negotiations Wrap Up World-Grain.com

According to Japanese media sources, the results of the negotiations seem to be that: tariffs on rice, wheat and sugar will not be eliminated and current tariff rates will be maintained. In addition, tariff rates will only be reduced and not entirely removed on beef, pork and dairy products in the Japan market while import quotas of US rice and wheat increased. However, the exact size of the reduction has yet to be made public.