Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Proclaims Rice Month, Miss Arkansas Rice County Winners Attend

LITTLE ROCK, AR, October 10, 2006 — Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Richard Bell proclaimed September as Arkansas Rice Month on Sept. 21. The state proclamation coincided with the National Rice Month celebration, which highlights the U.S. rice industry.

The proclamation recognized the contributions that Arkansas’ rice-growing communities make to the U.S. rice industry and local economies. Arkansas is the largest rice-growing state in the U.S., producing nearly 9 billion pounds annually.

Initiated by an act of Congress in 1991, September marks the 16th annual National Rice Month celebration. Per capita rice consumption in the United States is more than 25 pounds annually.

Joining Secretary Bell in honor of National Rice Month was eight of the Miss Arkansas Rice County winners. Representing their respective counties were: Lauryn Watkins of Arkansas County, Elizabeth Steritz of Chicot County, Deborah Sanders of Cross County, Meri Zieman of Drew County; Tori May of Lee County; Carrie Mitchell of Lonoke County, Jill Carroll of Monroe County, and Tyler Halbert of St. Francis County.

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Contacts: Chuck Wilson, (870) 673-7541, cwilson@usarice.com and Sarah Castleberry, (703) 236-1458, scastleberry@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.