Under Secretary Alexis Taylor (center) meets with Louisiana ag reps including Richard Fontenot and Meryl Kennedy Farr (far left)
Nov 16, 2023
NEW ORLEANS, LA – As growers approach the end of the south Louisiana ratoon crop to wrap up their 2023 season, their focus begins to shift towards industry meetings and the holidays.
Last week, USA Rice RMA Chair Meryl Kennedy and Louisiana Farm Bureau Vice President Richard Fontenot, representing the rice industry, joined Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Mike Strain and Nestor Navarro, founder of Navarro International Group, LLC, at a round table listening discussion here with Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor.
New Orleans was a fitting backdrop to discuss agricultural trade issues, with the never-ending flow of agricultural commodities, including rice, making its way down the Mississippi to be marketed all over the world.
“We enjoyed a productive discussion with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) and Under Secretary Taylor,” said Fontenot who farms rice farmer in Evangeline Parish. “We were able to share our concerns about Asia trade, the World Trade Organization (WTO) case, and unbalanced trade practices as well as limited access to Cuba and opportunities for rice markets there.”
The Evangeline Rice Growers Association held its annual meeting and dinner in Vidrine, last Wednesday, where the theme each year includes an annual wives appreciation night. Chair Jeffery Sylvester and the Board use the time together to inform members on current topics, including a USA Rice update, and to honor their wives and families for their support through another crop season.
The following evening, members of the Cal Cam Rice Growers Association gathered in Grand Lake. Chair Adam Habetz presided over the annual membership meeting that gave those present the opportunity to catch up on the latest information involving the rice industry while enjoying dinner together.
Both meetings allow growers time to network and discuss issues unique to their areas ahead of the USA Rice Outlook Conference and the quickly approaching holiday break, leading into the 2024 planting season.