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.