It's time

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited (DU) will officially kick off implementation of their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) joint project, "Sustaining the Future of Rice", that was announced in January 2015.

RCPP is funded through the 2014 Farm Bill and administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The USA Rice-DU project matches private and federal funding to help pay for conservation work completed through NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited were awarded $10 million in Federal funding with $6.8 million contributed by nearly 40 partner organizations and businesses.

"Our two organizations have worked very hard over the last year-and-a-half to make sure this project is a success," said Jeff Durand, a Louisiana rice grower and the USA Rice chairman of the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership. "It's important that as many rice farmers sign-up and submit applications as possible this year to make sure they get a chance to participate."

California rice grower and the Ducks Unlimited chairman of the partnership, Al Montna, echoed his enthusiasm for the project.

"We cannot stress enough the close relationship between waterfowl and the rice industry and how much they need each other," he said. "What's good for rice is good for ducks, and vice versa, and the RCPP is a natural fit for our vital conservation efforts. We look forward to continuing this strong, successful partnership beyond this first project."

Next week's implementation will begin with sign-ups opening for EQIP applications for ricelands in Arkansas and Mississippi. Applications will be due to local NRCS offices in qualifying counties by October 16, 2015 to be ranked and awarded funding.

"This is a two-year project, but funding is limited and we want to ensure farmers have enough time to install the necessary EQIP practices," said Durand.

The other four states covered by the partnership: California, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas, will begin their EQIP sign-ups later this fall. Sign-up for CSP is set to begin in each of the six rice states late in 2016.

Lehrer leading a retail tour in Mexico in 2013

STUTTGART, ARKANSAS - This week USA Rice's Marvin Lehrer was the principal speaker at the annual RiceTec appreciation dinner held here at the Grand Prairie Center.  Nearly ninety local rice farmers attended the event to hear about the opportunities and challenges in moving rice to the key nearby markets of Mexico, Cuba, Central America, and Colombia.  

"Mexico remains the top market for U.S.-grown rice, but we need to focus on promoting U.S. rice as s a high quality, consistent, and safe product to ensure we hold on to our market share," Lehrer said.

Lehrer turned his attention to Cuba, an exciting market he knows well.

"The Cuban market will take some time, but all the signs from Havana and Washington point to changes over the next several years that will result in U.S. rice again appearing in Cuban homes," he said. "USA Rice, bolstered by support from the industry, continues to lead efforts in that direction." 

Discussing other markets in the region, Lehrer stated, "Colombia is a resounding success story and a great example of how well-executed trade agreements can create new, vibrant markets for us." 

"We appreciate USA Rice's strong efforts in opening markets, promoting our product and being with us to inform farmers of developments in the key export markets," said Wes Long, District Sales Manager, RiceTec.

Around Washington

Frustration over Water Rules Continues West Central Tribune

Look for lengthy litigation in the courts over the Environmental Protection Agency's new Waters of the United States rules, some progress on country of origin labeling, and continued frustration over finding money for conservation programs that were approved in the farm bill.

Around the Country

25th Rice Tasting Luncheon Features Think Rice Cook Off Delta Farm Press

This year's event on Sept. 18 marks the 25^th National Rice Month and the 25^th Annual Rice Tasting Luncheon. To celebrate the special anniversaries, a Think Rice Cook Off has been added with four categories: Appetizer, Side Dish, Main Dish and Dessert. A person can enter one dish in more than one category.

What Might be the Fallout from PPO-Resistant Pigweeds? Delta Farm Press

Now that PPO-resistant pigweeds have been confirmed in the Mid-South how might things shake out in the future?

Tariffs and Trade

Negotiators Hope to Wrap up Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks this Month Los Angeles Times

After a disappointing round of talks ended last week in Hawaii without resolution, negotiators of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership are hoping to meet later this month to try again to wrap up one of the world's biggest free-trade agreements.