2008 Rice Leadership Development Class Announced

ORLANDO, FL, December 4, 2007 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chuck Wilson, (870) 673-7541, cwilson@usarice.com

USA Rice Foundation Chairman Dr. Ernest Girouard announced the selection of the 2008 Rice Leadership Development class yesterday during the USA Rice Outlook Conference. The class is comprised of five rice producers and two industry-related professionals selected by a committee of agribusiness leaders. Candidates must be 25-45 at the time of application and derive their primary livelihood from some aspect of the rice industry.

The new rice-producer class members are Buddy Allen, Tunica, MS; Sean Doherty, College City, CA; Blake Gerard, Cape Girardeau, MO; Dan Hosman, Jonesboro, AR; and Kirk Meins, Stuttgart, AR.

The new industry-related class members are Dr. Carrie Castille, Breaux Bridge, LA, and Michael Fruge, Pearland, TX.

“We are confident that the members of this new leadership class will emerge from the program with the skills and abilities they need to shape a bright future for the rice industry,” Rice Foundation Chairman Ernest Girouard said.

Many of the alumni are currently serving in key positions on various industry boards and committees. Two of the four member organizations of USA Rice are chaired by program alumni: Paul Combs chairs the USA Rice Producers Group and Brain King chairs the USA Rice Merchants’ Association.

The Rice Leadership Development Program gives young men and women a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communications training. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions that are designed to strengthen their leadership skills.

John Deere Company and Syngenta sponsor the Rice Leadership Development Program through a grant to The Rice Foundation. The USA Rice Federation administers the program.

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The USA Rice Federation is the global advocate for all segments of the U.S. rice industry with a mission to promote and protect the interests of producers, millers, merchants and allied businesses.