USA Rice Millers’ Association Looks Ahead at 123rd Convention

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – The USA Rice Millers’ Association (RMA), one of the oldest agribusiness organizations in the U.S., looked to the future during their 123rd Convention this week.  The group conducted a strategic planning session, a Board of Directors meeting, several networking events, and heard from thought-provoking, forward-looking speakers on important topics.

Shipping, rail freight, and other logistical challenges remain a top priority for the organization that has been engaging with the Surface Transportation Board recently to discuss shortcomings with Class 1 railroad service.  Additionally, export barriers to trade, as well as imports, particularly from countries that do not abide by their trade agreements such as India, were points of discussion as well.

“It’s very encouraging to see our industry come together to talk about the challenges we face as a group,” said Rick Rhody, president & CEO of Farmers’ Rice Cooperative and vice chair of RMA who presided over the lengthy strategy session.  “We come from different parts of the country and all of our businesses are different, but at the end of the day, we recognize we need to stick together to ensure the long-term viability of our businesses, our industry, and our communities.”

During the convention’s General Session, Jim Radtke, senior vice president of product development for biotechnology leader CIBUS, led a fascinating session on rice breeding and specifically gene editing technology that his company is perfecting for trait selection that can greatly improve options for the industry.  The advances become a valuable tool for breeders and do not run afoul of any proposed or existing bans on transgenic foods.

Finally, the keynote speaker put the economy and consumers under a microscope for attendees.  Emily Moquin is the food and beverage analyst for global intelligence company Morning Consult where she helps companies in the space make better, quicker decisions.

Moquin talked about how consumer spending has been impacted by inflation and who consumers blame.  She also unpacked societal and generational changes in the food space that are being driven by technology and expanding interest in sustainability and addressing climate change.

“The closing speakers at this year’s convention put an exclamation mark on our very productive meetings,” said Ken LaGrande, president and CEO of Sun Valley Rice Company and chair of the RMA Convention Planning Committee.  “Jim and Emily gave us a lot to think about and I am sure as an industry we’ll be putting their relevant insights to use.  I’m also happy we were able to raise nearly $22,000 for the USA Rice PAC which is so important for the work we do.”

The convention concluded with several traditions for the 124-year-old organization including recognizing industry leaders who passed away during the previous 12 months and words of greeting and encouragement from the 85th International Rice Festival Queen Sadie Renee Zaunbrecher of Crowley, Louisiana.