2007 Rice Leadership Development Program Deadline Approaching

STUTTGART, AR, September 20, 2006 — Applications for the Rice Leadership Development program must be received by Oct. 7. Rice producers and others in industry-related occupations are encouraged to apply for the next class, which will be announced in December at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in Las Vegas.

The Rice Leadership Development Program provides a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions designed to strengthen leadership skills through studies of all aspects of the rice industry.

The class is comprised of five rice producers and two industry-related professionals chosen by a committee of agribusiness leaders. The committee evaluates the applications of all candidates, reviews letters of recommendation and conducts personal interviews with the finalists.

The 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 an online application and recommendation forms.

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CONTACT: Chuck Wilson, (870) 673-7541, cwilson@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.