ARKANSAS Rice Council And ARKANSAS RICE PRODUCERS’ GROUP

Brinkley, LA, January 7, 2004 — The Arkansas Rice Council and Arkansas Rice Producers’ Group will hold their joint annual membership meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Brinkley Convention Center in Brinkley, Ark. All Arkansas rice producers, millers, and others associated with the state’s rice industry are invited to attend.
The meeting is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. with an opportunity for attendants to view more than 100 rice products. The program will start at 10 a.m., and will feature presentations from USA Rice Federation President and CEO Stuart Proctor, Senior Director of Domestic Promotion Kim Park, and 2003-04 Miss Arkansas Rice Ashtyn Wilkison. USA Rice has been working for more than a year to make even more efficient and effective use of promotion funds. Park will make a special announcement about new programs to increase awareness and sales of U.S. rice. There will also be a discussion on CAFTA and an update on other current events.

Attendants have a chance to win a trip for two to New Orleans for the 2004 USA Rice Outlook Conference, a shotgun, Ducks Unlimited prints, and more door prizes.

“This membership meeting is an opportunity for those with an interest in the rice industry to come together and discuss concerns, news, industry developments,” said Proctor. “For many area growers, this is the one time they can gather with colleagues from across their state. Bringing the state’s industry together in one place is a vital part of sharing successes to help ensure a brighter future.”

For more information, call Chuck Wilson at (870) 673-7541.



-30-