USA Rice Comment on USDA Secretary Mike Johanns' March 29 Release of Listening Tour Summary Documents and News Conference

ARLINGTON, VA, March 29, 2006 — “The USA Rice Federation looks forward to fully reviewing USDA’s relevant summary papers and comments released today,” USA Rice Federation President and CEO Stuart Proctor said. “In February of this year, rice industry representatives from all six rice-producing states approved a resolution to support an extension of the 2002 Farm Bill until Congress approves a World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement. To do otherwise would weaken our WTO negotiating position and minimize Congress’ responsibility to write the next farm bill.”

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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.

Contact: Contact: David Coia, (703) 236-1444, dcoia@usarice.com