YUBA CITY, CA -- Nearly 200 growers attended last week’s California Rice Commission Annual Grower Meetings getting comprehensive briefings on key issues facing the industry.
California Rice Commission President & CEO Tim Johnson outlined six major issues the Commission is working on, including the Farm Bill, crop protection, Proposition 65, external communications, water quality, and exploring new conservation opportunities to help Winter-Run Chinook Salmon in the Sacramento River.
USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward attended the meetings, met with growers, and summarized top priority areas, including expanding overseas trade and conveying important rice issues to Capitol Hill lawmakers. She also highlighted the critical role California rice leaders play by participating in USA Rice and chairing key subcommittees, committees, and boards that guide the work and priorities of the organization.
Ward wrapped up by discussing a USA Rice program produced in part with a grant from USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) designed to help farmers of organic and traditional rice evaluate crop insurance options and choose the most appropriate product.
“I always enjoy getting out and meeting with growers to hear their issues and ensure that we are communicating effectively with our members,” said Ward.
Attendees were updated on an eventful first year of the Trump Administration from Tyson Redpath of The Russell Group, found out the latest from the State Capitol from Louie Brown at Kahn, Soares and Conway, heard an update on top water issues from Todd Manley of the Northern California Water Association, and were provided a summary on crop insurance from Richard Neves of Gig 7 Crop Insurance Services.