2006 Rice Leadership Development Program Deadline Extended

STUTTGART, AR, October 6, 2005 — Due to back-to-back hurricanes affecting Mississippi Delta rice-growing states, The Rice Foundation has extended the application deadline for 2006 Rice Leadership Development Program to Oct. 15. “Given the extraordinary circumstances and communications difficulties so many have faced, we feel it is appropriate to extend the deadline this year,” Rice Foundation Chairman Gary Sebree said.

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.

The Rice Leadership Development class is comprised of five rice producers and two industry-related professionals. 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 Rice Leadership Development 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.