USA Rice Sends Open Letter to Domestic Rice Purchasers

ARLINGTON, VA, August 31, 2006 — USA Rice Federation today issued an open letter from the chairmen of the USA Rice Council, USA Rice Millers’ Association, USA Rice Producers’ Group, USA Rice Merchants’ Association and US Rice Producers Association affirming the safety of U.S. long-grain rice.

The letter reiterates statements by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the long-grain rice containing the Liberty Link 601 trait is safe for human consumption and there is no need for testing within the domestic market.

“Here in Arkansas the Rice Council has been working diligently with USA Rice to continue delivering rice to U.S. consumers that is safe and healthful,” Arkansas Rice Council Chairman Robert Petter said. “This letter should further the work that these groups have already done in assuring U.S. rice purchasers that there is no need to test rice that has already been declared safe for consumption by USDA. We have confidence in our government’s work to ensure the safety of our food-production system.”

To emphasize member communications, USA Rice Chairman Al Montna conducted a conference call yesterday afternoon for the five member boards, committee chairs, and other key U.S. rice industry leaders. USA Rice staff has provided Federation leadership with a summary of activities since USDA’s Aug. 18 announcement that trace amounts of genetically engineered rice were found in the U.S. long-grain rice commercial supply.

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