New U.S. Aromatic Varieties Set to Take On Imports

ARLINGTON, VA -- Approximately 83 percent of rice consumed in the U.S. is grown in the U.S., but that percentage used to be 85 percent, and the industry holds Thai jasmine imports responsible.  Varieties that can compete with aromatic imports, like jasmine or basmati, have long been called for, and do exist, and in an encouraging development, farmers’ arsenals are growing.

Earlier this month, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture released ARoma 17, a jasmine-type variety particularly adapted to the Arkansas climate, and just last week the board of the LSU AgCenter voted to release a new Clearfield jasmine variety, CLJ01.  

These new varieties join a few other jasmine-type rices available here in the U.S. and could be the key to addressing market shifts to aromatics.

“We are thrilled that the research community has responded to the consumer interest in aromatics,” said Michael Klein, USA Rice vice president of domestic promotion.  “Consumer and chef interest in jasmine and basmati continues to grow, so to be able to offer a locally-grown, sustainably-produced aromatic is huge.”

Klein said researchers have worked on grain aesthetics, cooking quality, taste, yields, and importantly aroma to develop these new contenders that he says stand up to the competition.

“The foodservice community needs to be made aware that they can cook authentic Thai dishes and use a local rice, along with the local proteins and vegetables they are likely using,” he said.  “This is another step towards stemming the tide of imports that are hurting our farmers.”

ARoma 17 has been especially bred for Arkansas climate and will be direct marketed by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.  The LSU variety is the first in the Clearfield production system and seed will be produced by HorizonAg.

For Louisiana producer Fred Zaunbrecher, the Clearfield aspect of CLJ01 is a big benefit, but he’s most excited about the taste.  “We’re hoping the improved aroma, and grain clarity and length will change consumer buying habits.”