Future Arkansas 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 Arkansas rice industry leaders Arkansas 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.

Rice producer Jeremy Baltz of Pocahontas and industry-related member Brian King of Marked Tree, 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. “Only through being a member of the Rice Leadership Program could we have ever had an opportunity to have discussions with the Ambassador of Cuba regarding efforts to sell more U.S. rice to them,” said King.

“By spending a week in Washington, we were able to learn first-hand of the numerous federal and regulatory agencies that have a tremendous impact on our lives, as members of the U.S. rice industry,” said Baltz.

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 Baltz, rice producer members are Ross Hebert of Abbeville, Louisiana; Buck Leonards of Crowley, Louisiana; Clyde Simmons of Hollandale, Mississippi and Henry Kalfsbeek of Sacramento, California. Brian King is the industry-related member of the class.

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.