NEW ORLEANS, LA – After a two-year hiatus, hundreds of rice-minded folks have come together for the 2021 USA Rice Outlook Conference, the largest rice conference in the United States, to talk shop, get some work done, and have some well-earned fun. The grand opening kicked off last night with a reception welcoming colleagues and old friends back to New Orleans.
“The USA Rice staff have worked hard to make this return to Outlook a rewarding experience,” said USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward. “Gathering together face-to-face to share ideas, examine current industry trends, learn from experts, and celebrate the excellence in our industry has always been invaluable, and we’re so grateful we were able to make it happen this year.”
The next two days are jam-packed with presentations, break-out sessions, state reports, the Annual Awards Luncheon, and lots of meeting and greeting in between.
“One added bonus of being here in person is getting your hands on the latest issue of the USA Rice
Whole Grain in your Outlook registration packet,” said Ward. “It feels great holding a paper copy of our rice news roundup, knowing the very people you’re reading about are likely rubbing elbows in the Exhibit Hall or presenting on one of the venue’s stages.”
The hefty
issue includes ads for the many sponsors who generously support the conference – a gentle reminder to stop by their booths in the Exhibit Hall to check out all they have to offer.
Articles include the first sale of U.S. long grain rice to China, a generous donation by Anheuser-Busch to the USA Rice/Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership, and an update on the crisis in the shipping industry that details what’s being done to alleviate its negative impact on international trade.
You’ll also read about this year’s International Rice Festival in Crowley, Louisiana, and the Delta Rice Festival, a brand-new event held this September on the streets of Merigold, Mississippi. The issue also includes reports on marketing campaigns for both domestic and international promotions, and a compelling story about how culinarians, conservationists, and historians have come together to honor the legacy of rice cultivation in coastal Carolina.
“If you did not pick up a copy of the
Whole Grain at Outlook or don’t receive it in your mailbox, contact
Deborah Willenborg,” said Ward. “She can also help if you’d like additional copies to distribute to friends, neighbors, and colleagues, or if you would like to advertise in future issues.” And as always, digital versions of all Whole Grain issues are available on the USA Rice website.