Deadline for Rice Leadership Program Oct. 1

STUTTGART, AR, September 20, 2005 — Applications for the Rice Leadership Development program must be received by Oct. 1. Rice producers and others in industry-related occupations are encouraged to apply for the next class, which will be announced in December at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Austin, TX.

The Rice Leadership Development Program gives young men and women a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communications training. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions that are designed to strengthen their leadership skills.

Five rice producers and two industry-related professionals comprise each Rice Leadership Development class. A committee of agribusiness leaders evaluates the applications, reviews letters of recommendation and conducts personal interviews with the finalists. Candidates must be 25-45 at the time of application and derive their primary livelihood from some aspect of the rice industry.

The program is sponsored by John Deere Company and Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. through a grant to the Rice Foundation and is managed by the USA Rice Federation.

Go to http://www.usarice.com/industry/communication/leadership.html to view more information or fill out application or recommendation forms.

CONTACT: Chuck Wilson, (870) 673-7541, cwilson@usarice.com

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USA Rice Federation is the national advocate for all segments of the rice industry, conducting activities to influence government programs, developing and initiating programs to increase worldwide demand for U.S. rice, and providing other services to increase profitability for all industry segments.