Program

Daniel Whitley – USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

Whitley heads the agency that links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security. As part of their mission, they award USA Rice with close to $6 million in grants annually to promote U.S. rice overseas. Whitley will share his thoughts on the future of global ag trade, including where rice fits in.

Eve Turow-Paul – Author, Food Culture Expert

Turow-Paul is a leading expert on Millennial and Gen Z global food culture, and founder and Executive Director of Food for Climate League. Blending qualitative and quantitative methods, Turow-Paul explores the “why” behind today’s biggest food and lifestyle trends. Her latest book is Hungry: Avocado Toast, Instagram Influencers and Our Search for Connection and Meaning.

Select Educational Programming

This year we are offering more than 9 hours of educational programming during the conference.  Below are a few highlights.  Other session topics include: State Research and Outlook Reports, Check-off Program Value Proposition, Ag politics, and much more!

Connecting Farms and Customers

Consumers don’t shop the way they used to. The growing trend in direct delivery food services could make the adoption of e-commerce an attractive market diversification strategy for farms. This practical session will explain why and how producers can get involved with this direct-to-consumer sales technology.

Cole Jones, Founder & CEO of Local Line

NASA Acres and Rice

NASA has been providing key knowledge about to U.S. agriculture since the launch of the first Landsat satellite. Fifty-one years and 15 satellites later, the NASA Acres consortium is devoted to strengthening food security and agriculture. Program leaders will explain how they help farmers optimize nitrogen application and irrigation scheduling, assist in early detection of pests and disease, and bolster soil health, while protecting your data.

Agricultural Labor Challenges & The H-2A Process

The agricultural labor force continues to be a challenge for rice farmers, millers, and the industry’s entire supply chain.  Hear from an agriculture labor policy expert and those currently utilizing the H-2A labor process about how to best make the system work for you.

Consumer Consumption Trends

USA Rice commissioned a multi-year, in-depth study of consumers and their relationship to rice.  Analysts have been pouring over three years of data looking for trends and patterns. Come see what they’ve uncovered and how the information can help rice’s positioning with consumers.

Diversifying Farm Income Streams

Like any business, farms need to maximize return on investment wherever possible. Rice farmers have long understood land diversification, but it’s not just about crawfish ponds and duck blinds now. Agritourism, tasting rooms, solar panels, and festivals are popping up all over. Are they right for you?

Unpacking Packing Technology

Whether you are moving rice one pound at a time or sending millions of cans of rice-based beer around the world, companies need to find a balance between product protection, consumer safety, raw material use, and the ability to convey appealing branding messages. We’ll hear from up and down the supply chain in this panel discussion.

Rice Quality Symposium

U.S. rice breeders are making progress addressing the quality characteristics requested by Latin American rice importers. Rice breeders from five public research institutions and three private companies will share the results of their recent, elite lines that meet the preferred characteristics desired by consumers in our largest export markets.