SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Last week, the U.S. rice industry hosted Japanese importers and distributors here for the 29th U.S.-Japan Rice Technical Meeting, an annual opportunity for reconnecting and networking with some of the most important customers for the industry.
“We were happy to host our Japanese counterparts to discuss the projections for the 2026 California and U.S. rice crops, and overall supply and demand,” said California rice farmer and chair of both the U.S. delegation and the USA Rice Asia Trade Policy Subcommittee Michael Rue.
During the meeting, technical information of supply and demand trends in both markets, measures of quality control, and industry projections are shared with each side. Despite a slight decrease in projected supply, the 2026 crop is expected to continue meeting Japanese demand.
Following the meeting, the California industry hosted Japanese importers on a field and mill tour.
Rue continued, “We appreciate the opportunity to share a piece of the California rice industry with our friends from Japan. As we look ahead to harvesting the 2026 crop, the industry is committed to meeting demand and quality expectations, not only from Japan, but of all our markets. We look forward to celebrating 30 years of technical dialogue next year in Tokyo.”