Breeder Workshop Focuses on Central American Consumer Priorities

CROWLEY, LA – USA Rice recently held its inaugural Breeder Workshop at the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey (HRC) Rice Research Station, fostering a unique exchange between U.S.-based rice researchers and Central American industry professionals.  The workshop aimed to identify U.S. rice varieties that align with Latin American consumer preferences, a crucial step in enhancing product appeal and regaining market share in the region.
 
Six Central American industry professionals from Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica participated in the event, which provided a platform for sharing insights and discussing the specific characteristics that appeal to consumers in their respective countries.  

The Rice Breeder Workshop was led by Dr. Adam Famoso, rice breeder and resident director at the HRC Rice Research Station, who brought a wealth of knowledge in rice genetics and breeding techniques.  Dr. Famoso's expertise was instrumental in guiding discussions and analyzing the complexities of rice varieties.  Dr. Maria Guadalupe Montiel, a native of Argentina, an LSU alumna, and a rice breeder with Horizon Ag, contributed significantly to the workshop.  Her experience as a rice breeder in Argentina offered a valuable perspective, enriching the discussions with insights into regional consumer trends and agronomic practices.

Over the course of two days, participants delved into the preferences of Latin American consumers, focusing on traits such as grain size, texture, and cooking properties.  A highlight of the workshop was the cooking tests, where various rice varieties, both in development and commercially available, were prepared according to a technical recipe commonly used in Costa Rica.  This hands-on demonstration provided valuable feedback on how these varieties perform under traditional cooking methods used in Central America.
 
"This activity was born from a conversation that the FECARROZ executive board had with me during the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference," said Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice senior director of international promotion for the Western Hemisphere.  "Although a large group of Latin American delegates participated in the annual Rice Quality Symposium, they wanted the opportunity to evaluate the rice in a more controlled environment using their own cooking methods.  Thus, the breeder workshop was born."
 
The schedule also included tours of LSU’s experimental plots, a visit to Supreme Rice Mill, farm tours, and grocery store visits, offering a comprehensive view of the U.S. rice industry from field to market.
 
“The success of this first Breeder Workshop underscores the importance of international collaboration in the agricultural sector,” said Grigsby.  “By aligning U.S. rice offerings with the specific needs of Latin American consumers, the industry can enhance its global competitiveness and ensure a steady demand for U.S.-grown rice.  As USA Rice continues to build bridges with international markets, events like this workshop are vital as they not only facilitate knowledge exchange and innovation but also strengthen the bonds between producers and consumers across borders.”