HARRISBURG, AR – The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board (ARRPB) met yesterday to hear reports and funding requests from USA Rice, The Rice Foundation, and other local organizations.
USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann gave a detailed budget presentation, reviewing the multiple funding sources used by USA Rice and the USA Rice Council to promote domestic rice, including check-off support from Arkansas and other states, continuing and new grants from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and additional sources.
Bachmann pointed out that in recognition of the uncertain state of the ag economy, the Council had reduced its request by about 10 percent from the previous year.
USA Rice Chief Operating Officer Sarah Moran then provided an overview of the international promotion programs that benefit southern long and medium grain rice in markets such as Mexico, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the EU, and Central America. She also provided a sneak peak at some new multi-media assets that have been developed for use in the coming months and years.
The presentation turned inward when USA Rice Vice President of Domestic Promotion Cameron Jacobs shared updates on chain engagement programs, social media campaign results, and the recently concluded U.S. jasmine test campaign (link?). He also talked about nutrition policy and how these policies can be used to drive rice consumption in Arkansas schools.
In a separate proposal, The Rice Foundation’s director Dr. Steve Linscombe reported on current research programs being supported by ARRPB and asked the board to continue their support.
Following a question-and-answer period with USA Rice staff, the board voted unanimously to fund both the USA Rice Council and The Rice Foundation at the requested levels, with the stipulation that with check-off collections running behind due to a significant carryover funds would be released as they became available.
“We are quite proud of the work we do to support the U.S. rice industry, and as the top producer of rice, it starts and ends here in Arkansas,” said Bachmann. “We are grateful for the board’s engagement, insights, and probing questions and of course, for their continued support in these difficult times. We are committed to improving the already great return we deliver for these funds and look forward to reporting back to the board throughout the year.”