USA Rice comments on implementation of Conservation Security Program

Washington, DC, October 6, 2004 — Al Montna, Chairman of the USA Rice Conservation Subcommittee, submitted comments today on USDA's interim final rule and recent implementation of the Conservation Security Program. "The USA Rice Federation appreciates the opportunity to comment on the interim final rule for the Conservation Security Program (CSP). We remain excited about the potential for the program and feel that many rice producers deserve rewards for their ongoing environmental stewardship," said Montna. The comments submitted by USA Rice focused on producer eligibility, ag operation definition, technical assistance, state flexibility, payment structure, and signup procedures.

A copy of the comments can be found in the Legislative Affairs section of our website at www.usarice.com.

Chairman Montna invites all rice producers to hear more about this new program during the conservation session of the USA Rice Outlook Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 5-7.

Contact: Ben Noble, (703) 236-1471, bnoble@usarice.com