CROWLEY, LA – This past weekend, the Louisiana rice industry came together here for the Louisiana Rice Council and Louisiana Rice Growers Association Joint Annual Membership Meeting, followed by the Louisiana Rice PAC (LaRPAC) Annual Rice Ball.
The historic Grand Opera House of the South was the setting for the industry’s gathering, and a grand time was had by all who were in attendance. Despite the late afternoon weather causing issues for some, the room was filled with rice growers and industry representatives as the festivities got under way.
The meeting agenda included the annual business and reporting of both organizations, and discussions were focused on the upcoming growing season as well as short- and long-term challenges facing the industry as producers begin to go to work in the fields.
USA Rice Vice President of Government Affairs Jamison Cruce gave a presentation on the organization’s current activities, and updated the group on the recently passed farmer economic and natural disaster assistance as well as the Farm Bill.
“We thank everyone who attended the joint annual meeting of the Louisiana Rice Growers Group and the Louisiana Rice Council,” said Louisiana Rice Council (LARC) President Eric Unkel. “We are proud of our collaborative efforts and strong partnership with USA Rice, which has been instrumental in advancing the Louisiana rice industry, and we look forward to continuing this journey together which is vital to our success.”
Alan Lawson, president of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association (LARGA), reminded everyone to stay informed and engaged, saying, “it’s going to take all of us working together to get through this difficult time in the rice industry.”