Market Access & Promotion
Rice is one of the world’s most widely consumed grains and the primary dietary staple for more than half the world’s population. American rice farmers grow 9 million tons of rice each year, just more than half of which is exported to more than 120 countries.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, and Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) help the rice industry open foreign markets and promote our products abroad, with a proven track record of success in more than 30 overseas markets. Learn more about our international market promotions below.
International Promotions
Recent News
Top chefs bring their best to the timed competition
Jul 26, 2019
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA – The week-long, fifth annual professional chefs’ competition, Maestros del Sabor, Dueños del Sazón (Masters of Flavor, Owners of Spice), has begun with events taking place here, in Cartagena, and in Barranquilla. Co-sponsored by USA Rice, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, and the Kansas Soybean Commission, the competition attracts top chefs from all over the country who submit their best dishes to earn a coveted trip to the America’s Food and Beverage Expo this September in Miami, Florida.
Each chef has one hour to create a dish using ingredients represented by the event sponsors which includes several varieties of U.S.-grown rice. The competition is judged by a panel of decorated celebrity chefs with more than 75 years of combined culinary experience.
The judges observe the cooking process of each participant and evaluate them on several factors including flavor, plating, technique, use of ingredients, and time management. One chef from each city is awarded a trip to Miami to show off his or her winning dish and rice cooking prowess.
“Colombia is a growing export market with immense economic potential due to its rich culinary history and tradition in gastronomic innovation,” said Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice manager of international promotions who attended the competition. “The professional chefs’ competition is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other U.S. commodities and highlight the versatility of U.S.-grown rice.”