USA RICE ASKS PRESIDENT BUSH FOR ASSISTANCE IN MOVING U.S. RICE TO IRAQ

Washington, December 19, 2003 — In a letter sent to President Bush today, the USA Rice Federation asked that U.S. rice play a large role in helping to feed the people of Iraq. The letter is part of a wide spread effort to restore the relationship between Iraq and the U.S. rice industry.

“We request that U.S. rice be utilized in any and all food aid shipments to the Iraq region during this rebuilding effort,” said USA Rice Federation Chairman Gary Sebree. “Furthermore, we seek guidance from your Administration on the appropriate commercial channels to pursue as Iraq continues to gain independence. We are ready to conduct market development activities and other industry support programs to further develop the market in Iraq at the appropriate time.”

Iraq was once the number one market for U.S. rice. During the 1980s, U.S. rice sales to Iraq averaged 345,000 metric tons annually, with sales exceeding 500,000 metric tons in peak years. The U.S. rice industry lost the market in 1991 as a result of trade sanctions. In recent years, Iraq’s annual rice imports from other world suppliers have averaged a million metric tons. Rice remains the primary carbohydrate in the Iraqi diet. As one of the largest markets in the world for imported rice, re-opening Iraq could mean significant new demand for U.S. rice exports, particularly milled long grain.

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 industry profitability for all industry segments.

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