USA Rice Federation Thankful and Encouraged over Korean Rice Accord

WASHINGTON,, December 30, 2004 —

An agreement with the Republic of Korea today that will result in doubling Korean rice imports over the next decade and in greater market access in that country for U.S. rice exporters is welcome news for the U.S. rice industry, USA Rice Federation officials said today.

The USA Rice officials expressed their thanks for the work of federal negotiators, and look forward to advancing to the next stage of the process.

“We have been engaged every step of the way with U.S. trade officials during these negotiations, and are thankful for the work by U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, and their staffs,” said Michael Rue, chairman of the USA Rice Federation Asia Trade Policy Subcommittee.

“The USA Rice Federation looks forward to continue working closely with administration officials to lock in the benefits of this agreement for the U.S. rice industry,” said USA Rice Federation President and CEO Stuart Proctor.

Now that Korea has notified the WTO of the result of its negotiations with the United States, the next stage in the process will be a review of this notification by other WTO members, Rue said. He explained that the WTO member review process is just beginning and that the USA Rice Federation will actively follow it.

Contact: David Coia, (703) 236-1444