Future Louisiana Rice Leaders Complete Final Session of Rice Leadership Development Program in Washington

WASHINGTON, DC, March 17, 2008 — Contact: Chuck Wilson, (870) 673-7541, cwilson@usarice.com

Future Louisiana rice industry leaders recently participated in an extensive leadership session meeting with government, regulatory and rice industry officials in Washington D.C. during the fourth and final session of the two year Rice Leadership Development Program.

Ross Hebert of Abbeville and Buck Leonards of Crowley were part of a VIP class that met with various U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies to get updates on domestic programs, international trade policy issues, as well as Senate and House Agriculture Committee briefings. The class also had an opportunity to meet with officials at the American Bankers Association to hear their perspective on the agriculture credit market.

A reception held at the Cuban Interest Section for the Rice Leadership Class was a highlight of the session. “I am amazed how this program is able to open doors to governmental agencies to meet one on one with our class to talk about issues that are important to our industry,” said Leonards.

“With so much at stake as Congress discusses the farm bill, being in Washington now provides a unique opportunity to witness this important work,” said Hebert.

The class graduated during a special ceremony in conjunction with the USA Rice Federation’s Government Affairs Conference. Rice Foundation Chairman Dr. Ernest Girouard and USA Rice Federation Chairman Al Montna presented the graduation certificates and alumni pins to class members. Brian King, who severed as class spokesperson, thanked John Deere Company and Syngenta for sponsoring the program and for the opportunity to broaden their leadership skills.

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

In addition to Hebert and Leonard, the other rice producer members of the class are Jeremy Baltz of Pocahontas, Arkansas; Henry Kalfsbeek of Sacramento, California; and Clyde Simmons of Hollandale, Mississippi. The industry-related member of the class is Brian King of Marked Tree, Arkansas.

The Rice Leadership Development Program is sponsored by John Deere Company and Syngenta through a grant to The Rice Foundation, and is administered by the USA Rice Federation.

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2006 Rice Leadership Development Class with Cuban Interest Section Chief Jose Bolanos

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.