USA Rice Daily Up-to-the-Minute News on Issues and Activities Tuesday October 6, 2015 Latest Iraqi Rice Tender Results Confusing at Best    Something doesn't add up  BAGHDAD, IRAQ -- USA Rice learned today that in the latest tender here, which has been delayed numerous times, Iraq purchased 80,000 MT of rice, 30,000 MT of which was U.S. origin.  The U.S. sale was from an India-based company, Jindal Industries, at an offered price of $559 per metric ton CIF.  The price seems unrealistic given the prices offered by the two western companies of $639 and $659 per ton CIF.  There were two other offers of U.S.-origin from India-based companies ranging in price from $559 to $561 per ton CIF.   Yesterday, both the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Stuart Jones, at a meeting with the Minister of Trade, and USA Rice consultant, Duraid Al Soufi, in his discussion with the Grain Board of Iraq, pointed out this discrepancy and voiced concern about the ability of these companies to perform at the offered prices.    "USA Rice stays in almost constant contact with Iraq's Grain Board and Ministry of Trade, and Ambassador Jones remains engaged with the Ministry on behalf of U.S. rice," said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward.  "That engagement is intended to build confidence in the United States as a reliable supplier of rice and information about the U.S. rice market and rice markets in general."   "Our ultimate goal," Ward said, "is to see U.S. rice participate on a regular basis in Iraqi public tenders and have consistent sales to this large import market."   Contact:  Jim Guinn (703) 236-1474 Dietitians 'Think Rice' at FNCE 2015  They wheely like U.S. rice  NASHVILLE, TN -- More than 10,000 dietitians, nutrition science researchers, policy makers, healthcare providers, and food industry leaders from around North America attended the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) here this week.  USA Rice built on its Think Rice message this year with new handouts and information highlighting the nutritional benefits of U.S.-grown rice.     USA Rice developed three handouts for the conference, offered in both English and Spanish, with a focus on rice recipes along with information about nutritional benefits, whole grains, and diabetes management.  Summaries of nutritional research studies funded by the rice industry were also available at the USA Rice booth.   "FNCE is one of the most important trade shows USA Rice attends.  We are able to address nutrition questions and food safety concerns, as well as gain reliable feedback about consumer interests and needs," said Katie Maher, USA Rice director of domestic marketing. "Attendees recognize USA Rice and enjoy partnering with us to recommend rice to consumers."   Retail dietitians from HEB, Kroger, Hyvee, Weiss, and other stores stopped by the USA Rice booth to relay their National Rice Month success stories made possible by the toolkits USA Rice provided them this summer.  Dietitians from each store explained how important the materials USA Rice developed are to communicating effectively with consumers and are thrilled to have the new handouts available in Spanish to reach an even wider audience.   Contact:  Amy Doane (703) 236-1454 CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures    CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for October 6 Month Price Net Change November 2015 $13.365 - $0.035 January 2016 $13.650 - $0.035 March 2016 $13.920 - $0.040 May 2016 $14.055 - $0.040 July 2016 $14.105 + $0.015 September 2016 $13.195 UNCH November 2016 $13.195  UNCH In the News Tariffs and Trade Pacific Trade Pact Gets Mixed Reception on Capitol Hill Agri-Pulse Agriculture interests will be critical to moving the agreement through Congress, which is why Obama's first public event to promote the new agreement was scheduled for Tuesday at the Agriculture Department, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at his side. Because the text of the accord must be public for at least 90 before it can even be signed, Congress won't debate the deal until 2016 as the presidential primaries and caucuses are taking place.   TPP Allows U.S. to Increase Exports of Made in America Products Delta Farm Press Commodity groups and farm organizations were expressing guarded optimism about the outcome of the long-running negotiations for TPP while reserving the right to criticize it later.   TPP Deal Expected to Shake Up Japan's Agriculture Sector Wall Street Journal The trade agreement will provide easier access to Japan for products such as California rice, Canadian pork, Australian beef and New Zealand butter. In the face of greater competition, many small Japanese farmers could be taken over by large enterprise operators.     Health and Nutrition How 'Forbidden' Black Rice Flourished for Millennia NPR Research suggests that black grains arose once and then spread by crossing with already domesticated varieties of the other subspecies, probably more than once. Upcoming Events  Events Calendar   Recent Issues October 5 October 2 October 1 September 30 September 29 Mission Statement USA Rice is the global advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry with a mission to promote and protect the interests of producers, millers, merchants and allied businesses. About Us Editor:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458 mklein@usarice.com Fax (703) 236-2301 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 610 Arlington, VA 22201 This report is time-sensitive, based on information available at press time. Content is derived from facts and sources believed to be reliable. Reprinting and/or distribution may be done with permission of the USA Rice. Copyright © 2015. Please direct comments or questions to the editor or contact name listed for each story.