Mar 10, 2023
ORLANDO, FL – Farmer members of USA Rice were in attendance yesterday at Field to Market’s (FTM) Sustainable Supply Chain Forum held in conjunction with Commodity Classic, America's largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational trade show.
The forum, moderated by FTM President Scott Herndon, included panels from multiple sectors of the agriculture supply chain, including growers, conservation organizations, agribusiness, and brands and retail.
“The rice industry is well respected for our leadership in sustainability and conservation,” said Mark Isbell, Arkansas rice farmer and FTM board member who attended the Commodity Classic. “Field to Market and events like this one have been key to building the collaborations and relationships that have been important to our continued advancement in this area.”
Katina Hanson, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) acting senior adviser for climate-smart commodities, delivered the keynote address, where she discussed the USDA Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership.
USA Rice is a recipient of an $80 million grant, the Rice Stewardship Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities, made possible through this program. USA Rice, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Black Growers Council are partners in this effort to enhance and strengthen the sustainability record of the U.S. rice industry.
“What I appreciate most about Field to Market is its emphasis on bringing all areas of the supply chain together to foster dialog and cooperation. It is important to me that our industry and farmers in particular have a voice and a seat at the table. Field to Market has consistently been a part of making that possible,” Isbell added.