USA Rice Millers and Growers Donate Half-Million Pounds of Rice

Domestic Contribution Was Largest Ever By RMA

ARLINGTON, VA, November 23, 2005 — The USA Rice Millers’ Association (RMA), in cooperation with America’s rice farmers, contributed more than 500,000 pounds of U.S-grown rice to help feed those displaced by the hurricanes of 2005.

The rice, enough for six million servings, was donated to food relief efforts aiding survivors of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Rice donations began immediately, even as Gulf Coast rice millers were themselves picking up after hurricane damage.

“The rice industry faced extremely difficult weather and continues to face very harsh economic conditions this year, but that did not diminish the generosity of America’s rice millers and farmers,” said Mike LaGrande, chairman of the RMA, which has mill members in Arkansas, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. “With a national disaster of this magnitude, we wanted to step up and contribute. As we count our blessings this Thanksgiving week, all of us in the rice industry are just grateful we could help.”

The 500,000-pound contribution was the largest domestic donation in the history of the RMA. Much of the rice, which was delivered in bags of various sizes, was used at local shelters housing hurricane evacuees.

The USA Rice Millers' Association is the national trade association of the U.S. rice milling industry. Founded in 1899, RMA is one of the oldest agribusiness trade organizations in America. RMA membership includes farmer-owned cooperatives and privately owned mills, as well associate members allied with the rice trade.

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Contacts: Jim Thomas (636) 586-1964, jthomas@usarice.com, Patricia Alderson (703) 236-1472, talderson@usarice.com

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.