Arkansas rice farmer Mark Isbell (far left) joins his fellow panelists at the U.N. Climate Conference
Nov 20, 2024
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – USA Rice joined more than 200 member countries and 32,000 private sector participants this week at COP29, the U.N. climate conference here.
While member countries host negotiations, side events provide the opportunity for private and public sector groups to hold additional programming. USA Rice participated in a panel discussion at the IICA (Inter-American Institute on Cooperation in Agriculture) pavilion to highlight the good work of the U.S. rice industry in advancing sustainable rice cultivation, including reducing land and water use by more than 40 percent in the last four decades and reducing greenhouse gas emissions more than 33 percent in the same time frame.
“It became clear to us that rice was increasingly being discussed at these events, with no voice sharing the positive impact that the U.S. rice industry is making,” said Arkansas rice farmer and USA Rice Sustainability Committee Chair, Mark Isbell, who spoke at the event. “When comparing U.S. production with other major rice producing countries, I believe the contrast becomes clear: that the U.S. rice industry continues to lead the global stage. This event provided us with an opportunity to be part of the conversation and share the positive role our industry is playing, and to promote U.S. rice internationally."
Other participants on the IICA panel included Bayer Chief Sustainability Officer Natasha Santos, and Director of Azerbaijan Ministry of Agriculture's Agricultural Economics Research Center Rashad Huseynov. Arkansas rice and soybean farmer Brad Doyle also participated on a panel discussion on water use in agriculture.
USDA's new regional agricultural promotion program (RAPP) funding supported USA Rice participation with logistical support on the ground by Solutions from the Land, a Maryland-based non-profit, a long-time COP participant ensuring the voice of U.S. agriculture is represented in these global conversations.
USA Rice will be in attendance through the end of the conference on Friday and participate in other panels and events.