USA Rice Statement Re The Announced Discovery of Genetically Modified Rice

WASHINGTON, August 18, 2006 — The USA Rice Federation was surprised to hear the news this afternoon by USDA Secretary Mike Johanns that trace amounts of a strain of genetically modified (GM) rice have been discovered in commercial rice samples. Genetically modified rice is currently not in commercial production in the United States.

USDA and FDA assure us that the trace amounts of the GM rice that have been discovered are safe for human consumption. In addition, Secretary Johanns noted that approximately 70 percent of processed foods in the United States contain some genetically engineered component. Johanns also emphasized that there are no environmental concerns associated with the recent discovery, which, we are told, contains proteins similar to two other rice strains approved by USDA and FDA for production. However, those strains were never brought into commercial production.

The USA Rice Federation recognizes the right of consumers to choose between genetically modified and non-GM foods. For this reason, we do not support the commercialization of genetically modified rice varieties unless and until such varieties have achieved regulatory approval and consumer acceptance. We have received a (verbal) commitment from technology companies to not commercialize GM rice until there is international regulatory acceptance and approval.

USA Rice supports USDA’s regulatory effort, thru APHIS, to determine how this unauthorized commercial release came about, and we will continue to track and investigate developments associated with this issue.

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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: David Coia, (703) 236-2300, dcoia@usarice.com