MOUNT VERNON, VA – On Monday, USA Rice joined more than 500 participants—including agricultural leaders, members of Congress, congressional staff, and partners from across the food and agriculture sector—at George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate for the Ag250 celebration. The event honored agriculture’s foundational role in America’s first 250 years and looked ahead to the industry’s bright future.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins delivered the keynote address, underscoring agriculture’s critical importance to the nation and highlighting actions by the Trump Administration to support farmers and address key challenges. Special guest speakers included rice champions, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), and Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA). The program paid tribute to the enduring contributions of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural organizations.
Attendees also toured Mount Vernon's working farm and historic grounds, providing a firsthand look at the agricultural legacy of George Washington and the industry's deep roots in American history.
"The Ag250 celebration at Mount Vernon was a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between American agriculture and our nation’s heritage," said USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann. "Standing on George Washington’s historic grounds alongside Secretary Rollins, congressional leaders, and so many dedicated partners, we were inspired by the resilience, innovation, and patriotism that define our industry. USA Rice is proud to help carry this proud legacy forward as we enter the next 250 years of feeding America and the world."
USA Rice was a sponsor of the event and contributed, and rice was prominently featured in a stand-up banner onsite and a promotional video played at the start of the official program.
The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display—launching the next 250 years of American agriculture with energy and optimism. Each guest was sent home with a swag bag including a two-pound bag of U.S.-grown jasmine rice.