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For Blog & News Letter Advertisment contact to write : Mujahid Ali mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

www.ricepluss.com & www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com

Daily Global Rice e-Newsletter

Aug ,2015

Vol 5,Issue XIII

August 07 ,2015

Vol 5,Issue XIII

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Stallion Group Denies Evading Import Duties 07 Aug 2015

Crusoe Osagie


Stallion Group has denied committing any fraud or

evading any obligations by way of import duties.It

said its subsidiaries, Popular Farms and Mills

Limited and Masco Agro Allied Industries

Limited, imported some metric tonnes of rice, and

fully paid a total duty and levies of N17 billion at

the prevailing duty and levy rates as approved by the

President for millers under the new National Rice

Policy contained in Circular No. BD/FP/TT/50/1/99

of July 8, 2014.The House of Representatives had

directed its committee on Customs to investigate the

allegation that Stallion Group evaded the payment of

N15 billion duty in 2014.But the company in statement on Thursday denied the allegation,

saying its rice production companies, Popular Farms and Mills Limited and Masco Agro Allied

Industries Limited, are contending that though legally, the retrospective duties being demanded

by the Nigeria Customs Service are not payable, it would adhere to any final judgment made by

the country’s rule of law and due process.

It stated that the rice companies had also issued a bond to secure the customs from any potential

proven obligation, contending that there was no question of any fraud or evasion.The company

said contrary to the impression in public domain, the companies never sought or received any

“waivers” from the federal government.“Stallion will never evade or avoid any lawfully due

obligations in any of its business transactions in any country,” the statement added.It stated that

as a law-abiding group with international operations in several countries, it strictly complies with

all applicable law, rules and regulations.Stallion Group disclosed that it remained committed and

undaunted in it resolve to support the government to achieve its lofty resolve to grow the

economy particularly in the enhancement of the rice value chain and the quest for self-

sufficiency and food security.

The statement read: Stallion is a pioneer in the fully integrated rice value chain in Nigeria with

existing operating capacities of 430,000 metric tonnes,

backward integration operations, a countrywide distribution system and firm investment plans to

reach a targeted production of 1.50 million tonnes of rice within the next three years.“As an early

starter since 2007, the group has played a key role in enhancing local rice production in the

country, complementing the efforts of the federal government through its Agricultural

Transformation Agenda.“The appropriate ministries of the federal government have duly

certified the group’s rice companies, as bonafide investors and integrated rice millers with

proven backward integration programme.

“ Our companies have presented all documents and facts to the all the relevant ministries and

authorities with its position with full transparency and compliance to the

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requirements.“Likewise, we will present all the information/documentation to the proposed

committee constituted by the House of Representatives and assure the fullest cooperation.”The

company quoted copiously from Section 11 of the Customs, Excise Tariff (Consolidation) Act

No. 4 of 1995 which provides as follows: “Notwithstanding the provisions of section 12 of this

Act, the President may on the recommendation of the tariff review board by order; (a) impose,

vary or remove any duty or levy; (b) add to or vary any of the schedules; (c) delete the whole or

any part of any of the schedules; (d) substitute a new schedule or schedules thereto.’”

It said: “In exercise of his powers under section 11, with effect from 26 May 2014, the

President amended the duty rate on rice under HS Code 1006 as follows: (a) for investors with

rice milling capacity and verifiable backward integration programme shall attract 10% duty rate

and levy of 20%. (b) other importers would import at duty rate of 10% and levy of 60%.“The

above approval was communicated to Customs, other agencies of the federal government and

members of the trading public vide Ministry of Finance Circular No BD/FP/TT/50/1/99 dated

8th July, 2014.

“Acting on the above approval, a number of millers that satisfied the stipulated criteria

proceeded to import substantial quantities of rice for which duty and levies wereduly charged

and paid. The duty applicable to Popular Farms and Mills Limited and Masco Agro Allied

Industries Limited was that applicable to millers as the companies own rice mills in Kano, Lagos

and Makurdi with cumulative milling capacity of 430,000 metric tonnesper annum.

“The circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance did not categorically state that there

would be quota allocations to the millers. It merely stated that Importation of Rice by millers

shall attracts 10% duty rate with a levy of 20% and will be limited to the national supply gap to

be determined by a committee (for a period of four years).“The millers therefore proceeded to

import rice and to pay duty and levy at the prevailing rate of 10% and 20% respectively. In view

of the amendment of the duties and levies on rice, the Nigeria Customs Service immediately

started accepting declarations from importers of rice by virtue of section 37(1) and (2)(a) of the

Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 2004 which mandates Customs to charge duty at

the prevailing rate being the rate approved by thePresident as stated above.

“The process continued until November 2014 when the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and

Rural Development came up with quota allocations to millers. At this time the millers had

already imported substantial quantities of rice for which duties and levies were paid in

accordance with the prevailing duty and levy rate. These transactions were certified by Customs,

payments were collected, goods cleared and released from customs control.

“ It was therefore with significant shock to the industry, when the former Minister of Agriculture

unilaterally conducted a rice allocation in December 2014 (7 months after the policy

commenced), and then backdated the issuance of this allocation retrospectively to May 2014. It

then communicated these to Nigerian Customs and Ministry of Finance as the official position of

the Inter-ministerial Committee (which was misleading).

As a result of this flawed process, Popular Farms and Mills Limited and Masco Agro Allied

Industries Limited were then asked to pay extra duties (in addition to the earlier N17.15 billion

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already paid), under the claim they over imported during a period when no allocations were

given by government. Essentially, the companies were asked to pay backdated duties on rice that

had already been imported,

distributed, and sold in Nigeria, between May and December 2014. They are asked to “pay duties

again” for rice they had already paid duties upon.”

Tags: Business, Nigeria, Featured, Stallion Group http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/stallion-group-denies-evading-import-duties/216826/

White bread could lead to depression, research finds Older women who eat white bread and rice found to have greater risk of depression,

according to research

The refined carbohydrates in white bread trigger a hormonal response in the body to reduce blood sugar

levels, which may also cause depression in post-menopausal women Photo: Alamy

By Agency

9:14AM BST 07 Aug 2015

White bread and rice could increase the risk of depression in older women, suggests new

research.But whole grain foods, roughage and vegetables could cut it.Hormone changes

prompted by refined foods may reduce blood sugar levels and prompt symptoms of depression,

according to the study.The findings, published in journal The American Journal of Clinical

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Nutrition, could pave the wave for depression being treated and prevented using nutrition.

Around three in every 100 people in the UK suffer from depression.

In a study that included data from more than 70,000 post-menopausal women, scientists found a

link between refined carbohydrate consumption and depression.When people consume

carbohydrates their blood sugar levels rise to varying degrees.The glycemic index (GI) scale, of

1-100, measures the amount of sugar found in the blood after eating. The more highly refined the

carbohydrate, the higher its score on the GI scale.Refined foods such as white bread and white

rice trigger a hormonal response in the body to reduce blood sugar levels. The response may also

cause or exacerbate mood changes, fatigue and other symptoms of depression.

A clear link between high GI scores and consumption of added sugars and refined grains were

associated with increased risk of depression in the women.Meanwhile, diets packed with dietary

fiber, whole grains, and vegetables led to a decreased risk.The researchers said further study is

needed to examine the potential of this novel option for treatment and prevention, and to see if

similar results are found in the broader population.Study author Dr James Gangwisch, of

Columbia University, said: "This suggests that dietary interventions could serve as treatments

and preventive measures for depression."Further study is needed to examine the potential of this

novel option for treatment and prevention, and to see if similar results are found in the broader

population."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11789103/White-bread-could-lead-to-depression-research-

finds.html

UNISAME URGES 9th SME CONFERENCE TO SEEK

PRIORITY FOR SECTOR

Aug 7, 2015 | Thaver

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) intends to present a road

map to the government for the uplift of the micro, small to medium sized

entrepreneurs and present a 13 points doable agenda at the 9th SME Conference

2015 to be held on 25th August 2015 at a local hotel in Lahore .President UNISAME

Zulfikar Thaver appreciated the efforts of Menin Rodrigues chairman Shamrock

Conferences and his team for giving the stakeholders an opportunity to highlight the

real issues of the SME sector every year for the last 9 years. This confere nce is all

the more meaningful as the planning ministry is revisiting the SME Policy 2007 and

working on Vision 2025.He elaborated that as key note speaker at the forum he

would advocate the cause of the SMEs.

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The government needs to facilitate the sector wholeheartedly as it is the majority

sector, backbone of the economy, the engine of growth and the back forte of the

large sector. The SMEs are into farming, manufacturing, trading and services and

playing important role in the primary, secondary and terti ary sectors of the

economy. There is urgent need for focus on each of these areas for rapid growth of

the sector.Enlisting the requirements of the sector the Union has proposed a 13

points agenda in the shape of a road map for submission to the policy make rs who

are expected at the forum.

The officials of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), SMEDA, Ministry of Planning,

Development and Reform (MoPD&R), SME Bank and other important stakeholders

will speak and enlighten the participants at the forum.The Union will stress the

need for implementation of the SME Policy 2007 in letter and spirit for educating

the SMEs about the new technologies in production, management, marketing,

accounting & inventory control.

And for encouraging the SMEs to modernize and make plans for balancing and

replacement of their units and arrange transfer of technology.And for facilitating

the SMEs through banking, leasing,insurance as these are the pillars for growth.

The country needs modern banking, leasing and insurance facilities. The

strengthening of the SME Bank is very important for meeting the access to finance

requirements of the sector.The SMEs in order to progress need law and order and

protection and need to feel safe. Protection squads are needed in industrial areas

and important markets.The infrastructure definitely needs to be improved.The SME

sector is dependent on logistics which encompasses transportation, warehousing and

collateral management.

The need for alternate energy is being felt due to the energy crisis. The w ind, solar

and biomass energy systems are required as alternate energy and must be promoted

fully.There is an urgent need of industrial estates in all the provinces. The special

economic zones must facilitate the SMEs to purchase land on easy payment

facility.The government should adopt a policy of fair taxation and also give tax

benefit to innovative industries and new units.The SMEs need their own chamber of

commerce and also their own export promotion bureau. There is need for e_

Commerce and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and SMEDA are

requested to set up the SME gallery for global exposure of SME products.The NPO,

EDB, SMEDA, PCSIR and TDAP are all dedicated institutions and working hard for

the promotion and development of the SMEs togethe r with the commercial banks

but they all need to co-ordinate with one another for integrated efforts .

The above is not an easy task and for this the government should strengthen and

equip the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and

broaden its scope to enable it to reach the SMEs involved in manufacturing, trading

and services.Thaver urged the immediate need for priority for the sector which

could change the destiny of Pakistan if motivated, encouraged, supported and

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facilitated scientifically on modern lines.UNISAME expects the chairman Shamrock

Conferences Menin Rodrigues to plead for priority for the sector which it truly

deserves at the forum to invite the attention of Prof Ahsan Iqbal the federal minister

for planning, development and reform who is invited as the chief guest for the

event. http://www.unisame.org/unisame-urges-9th-sme-conference-to-seek-priority-for-sector/

Alleged fake rice was contaminated

ALLEGED FAKE RICE found in Davao City was contaminated due to food mishandling, the National

Food Authority (NFA) said on Thursday, declaring that the case was isolated and that there is no fake

rice in the country.

“In total, the case is isolated and no other cases have been reported elsewhere except for Davao,”

Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis N. Pangilinan

told reporters in Filipino during a press briefing in Quezon City. “It wasn’t fake rice; it was

contaminated.”Jocelyn M. Sales, NFA Food Development Center director, said the rice samples

from Davao City were positive for dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a plasticizer or a chemical

compound used in making flexible plastics.

“DBP is not a component of cooked rice sample, but an external contaminant due to food

mishandling,” she said in the same press briefing.The 25-gram rice sample did not contain any

material of plastic origin, she further explained.“Starch component of the allegedly fake rice

samples were similar to rice,” Ms. Sales said.The series of freezing, thawing and heating of the

sample rice resulted in retrogradation.“When frozen, cooked rice was removed from the

refrigerator until it was transferred inside the chiller of the refrigerator. [Then] the large ice

crystals thawed, leaving a styrofoam-like structure,” she said. “When the thawed previously

frozen cooked rice was squeezed with hand, water oozed out.”The earlier conclusion that the

fake rice was an isolated case was based only from the government’s qualitative analysis.

The government further conducted scientific or laboratory tests undertaken by the Food

Development Center, Philippine Rice Research Institute, International Rice Research Institute,

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, and Food and Drug Administration.The samples were

positive for rice DNA, according to the DNA analysis conducted by the Philippine Rice

Research Institute.In a statement on Thursday, the NFA said it responded to over a hundred

reports and complaints about suspected fake rice, but none of the samples tested proved positive

of any contamination.Ms. Sales said the public should avoid placing hot food in plastic

containers because it’s not safe.Meanwhile, NFA Administrator Renan B. Dalisay said it has

enough rice stocks for the lean months, July to September.The NFA is ready to “quickly

respond” to any emergency need for rice during this traditionally calamity-prone months, he

said. -- Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza

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http://bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=alleged-fake-rice-was-

contaminated&id=113028

APEDA News India

International Benchmark Price

Price on: 05-08-2015

Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price

Apricots

1 Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 5875

2 Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t) 5125

3 Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t) 4125

Sultanas

1 Australian 5 Crown, CIF UK (USD/t) 2994

2 South African Orange River, CIF UK (USD/t) 2589

3 Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t) 2381

White Sugar

1 CZCE White Sugar Futures (USD/t) 803

2 Kenya Mumias white sugar, EXW (USD/t) 690

3 Pakistani refined sugar, EXW Akbari Mandi (USD/t) 623

Source:agra-net For more info

Market Watch

Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 06-08-2015

Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product Market Center Variety Min Price Max Price

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Rice

1 Jhagadiya (Gujarat) Other 1900 3050

2 Cachar (Assam) Other 2000 2500

3 Bonai (Orissa) Other 2200 2400

Wheat

1 Amod (Gujarat) Other 1600 1800

2 Dhing (Assam) Other 1500 1700

3 Manvi (Karnataka) Other 1550 1559

Mango

1 Sirhind (Punjab) Other 2000 4000

2 Haldwani (Uttrakhand Other 1500 2500

3 Gajol (West Bengal) Other 1600 1800

Brinjal

1 Aroor (Kerala) Other 2400 2700

2 Bolangir (Orissa) Other 1800 2000

3 Shillong (Meghalaya) Other 1500 2000

Source:agra-net For more info

Egg Rs per 100 No

Price on 06-08-2015

Product Market Center Price

1 Pune 343

2 Chittoor 358

3 Hyderabad 324

Source: e2necc.com

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Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ per package

Price on 05-08-2015

Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High

Onions Dry Package: 50 lb sacks

1 Atlanta Colorado Yellow 25 26

2 Dallas Texas Yellow 20 20

3 Detroit Washington Yellow 19 22

Cucumbers Package: 50 lb cartons

1 Atlanta Virginia Round Green Type 13 13.50

2 Detroit Michigan Round Green Type 10 13.50

3 Miami Canada Round Green Type 13 15

Apples Package: cartons tray pack

1 Atlanta Washington Red Delicious 23 24

2 Detroit Washington Red Delicious 22 24.50

3 Miami Washington Red Delicious 18 20

Source:USDA

INDIA EASES EXPORT RESTRICTIONS ON

ORGANIC EDIBLE OIL, RICE BRAN OIL

The move is expected to trigger a hike in the price of rice bran in the market and help small rice

millers to get better bargain on the product.

Himanshu Vatsa | The Dollar Business

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The government has removed quantitative cap on the export of organic edible oil and overseas

shipment of rice bran oil in bulk, giving a major boost to small rice millers across the country.

“Export of rice bran oil in bulk has been exempted from the prohibition on export of edible oils.

Also, the quantity ceiling on export of organic edible oils has been removed,” the Directorate

General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a fresh notification.

https://www.thedollarbusiness.com/govt-eases-export-restrictions-on-organic-edible-oil-rice-bran-oil/

Rice Thickness Grading

8/7/2015 - by Susan Reidy

One of the goals of rice processing is to avoid overmilling of rice by carefully controlling the

degree of milling and thus maximizing milled rice yield and head rice yield.Monitoring lot-to-lot

variability and adjusting milling parameters is one strategy for reducing variability in degree of

milling among lots. Size-grading techniques, such as thickness grading, could also reduce

milling variability.

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Researchers from the University of Arkansas Rice Processing Program in Fayetteville, Arkansas,

U.S., examined whether thickness grading could concentrate and partition chalky and fissured

kernels to secondary processing streams in order to improve milling yields of the primary

processing stream. Research was conducted by Brandon C. Grigg, manager, Rice Quality

Laboratory, and Terry Siebenmorgen, professor and director, University of Arkansas Rice

Processing Program.They found that removing the fissured and chalky kernels did significantly

improve milling yield. However, researchers said the economic and logistic impacts on

commercial milling operations have yet to be considered.

Importance of rice thickness

Thickness grading of rice has been proposed as a means of improving kernel uniformity by

removing the thinner kernels to be used for applications such as flour.Previous research has

shown that thin kernels often break during milling. When thin kernels were removed prior to

milling, there was a trend of improved milled rice yield and head rice yield.When fractioned as

rough rice prior to milling, thin kernels yielded a lower surface lipid content and head rice yield,

compared to thicker kernels milled for the same duration, previous research has shown. Thinner

kernels would thus possibly require a shorter milling duration, possibly resulting in reduced

breakage and increased milling yield, if milled as a separate process stream.

Chalkiness may also be associated with thin, incompletely-filled kernels. Chalkiness has been

linked to the process of starch accumulation in the rice endosperm.Head rice yield is also

reduced by kernel fissuring, which may result from rapid moisture adsorption by kernels of low

moisture content in the field or due to conditions during the drying process. Prior research has

shown that thicker, bolder kernels were more susceptible to fissuring than thinner kernels.

Research method

Researchers used four lots of long-grain rice cultivars (pureline Wells and hybrid XL753), of

both superior and inferior milling quality. Lots were cleaned, conditioned and graded using a

laboratory-scale precision sizer equipped with rotary screens.The resulting thickness fractions

included thin (less than 2 mm), medium (2-2.05 mm) and thick (more than 2.05 mm).Following

thickness grading, milling and physical properties were determined for each thickness fraction.

An analysis was conducted for each fraction to determine the milling duration needed to reach

the desired degree of milling.Unfractioned and fractioned rough rice were dehulled. The

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resulting brown rice samples were milled for different durations to develop relationships between

degree of milling and milling duration.

Following milling, researchers measured head-rice surface lipid content and determined milled

rice yield and head rice yield. Head rice was separated from broken kernels using a sizing

device.Researchers then examined physical properties including bulk density of rough rice.

Brown rice properties were determined by dehulling four rough rice samples.Using a scanning

system, brown rice chalkiness as a percentage of kernel area was determined. Fissured kernel

percentage was visually determined using a grain scope. A kernel was counted as fissured if one

or more fissures were detected.Statistical software was used to analyze the data.

Results

Unfractioned milled rice yields of superior and inferior lots within each cultivar were not

different. However, differences in the head rice yields were substantial, with the superior Wells

cultivar being 27 percentage points greater than the inferior sample of the same cultivar. The

XL753 superior head rice yield was 15 percentage points greater than the inferior sample.The

reduced head rice yield was due to the chalkiness and the fissured kernel percentage (see Figure

1, page 82). There was significantly greater chalkiness observed in the inferior lots, as well as a

greater fissured kernel percentage.

Thickness grading of rough rice resulted in mass percentages for the >2 mm fractions ranging

from 57% to 77%, about 10 percentage points less across the range of lots than the 66% to 89%

observed by researchers previously. See Figure 2a and 2b (this page).For all lots, the >2 mm

kernels comprised the majority of the mass. For both cultivars, there was a trend for a greater

mass of thicker kernels in the lots with inferior milling quality. Since chalkiness has been shown

to be more prevalent in thinner kernels, decreased head rice yield for the unfractioned, inferior

lots may be associated with increased fissuring of the thicker, bolder kernels.

A further thickness grading of the >2 mm kernels was added to determine if the greater portion

of fissured kernels was concentrated in the very thickest kernels. This would enable the thickness

fraction to be partitioned and transferred to an alternate processing stream, such as

parboiling.The >2 mm fraction was thickness graded with a 2.05 mm screen, resulting in the

previously described thin, medium and thick kernel fractions. This potentially created a medium

kernel stream with reduced fissured kernels, reduced chalkiness, and improved milling

characteristics.The mass percentage of the thin kernels ranged from 25% to 42%. The superior

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lots had the greatest mass percentages of thin kernels, about 42%. The mass percentage of

medium kernels generally exceeded that of thin kernels and was greater than that of thick

kernels.

A trend existed for greater mass percentage of thick kernels in inferior lots.Milled rice yield

increased with increased kernel thickness for all lots, agreeing with previous research. For

superior lots of both cultivars, there no differences in milled rice yield between medium and

thick kernels. However, for the inferior lots, the milled rice yield of thick kernels was greater

than that of medium kernels. See Figures 3a and b (page 85).For the superior lots, milled rice

yields of both thick and medium kernels exceeded those of unfractioned rice. Therefore,

removing the thin kernels increased milled rice yield for inferior and superior rice lots. For

inferior lots, the thick kernels had greater milled rice yield and medium kernels had equivalent

milled rice yield when compared to unfractioned rice.

The head rice yields of thin kernels were significantly less than those of medium kernels. The

general trend for decreased head rice yields of thin kernels occurred even though the degree of

milling was the same as medium and thick kernels.Counter to the trends seen in milled rice

yields, head rice yields of thick kernels were significantly less than medium kernels, with the

exception of the superior Wells lots. Those lots showed a 1.5 percentage point decrease in head

rice yields of thick kernels.The head rice yields of medium thickness kernels followed the same

pattern of milled rice yields.For superior lots, head rice yields of medium kernels were

significantly greater than unfractioned rice, while for inferior lots, head rice yields of medium

kernels were statistically equivalent to those of unfractioned rice.

In superior lots, head rice yields of thick kernels trended greater than unfractioned rice while

inferior lots were less than unfractioned rice.Trends for milling yields across the three thickness

fractions may be explained by the associated physical properties.

Bulk densities of thin kernels were significantly less than those of medium and thick kernels.

This is likely a result of more completely filled kernels and greater relative mass of endosperm

associated with the medium and thick kernels.For chalkiness, the overall trend was a reduction in

chalkiness with increased kernel thickness.The fissured kernel percentage varied by cultivar,

increasing with increased thickness fraction for both Wells lots, while no differences were

observed in the XL753 variety.

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Conclusions

Thickness grading of rough rice resulted in fractions with distinct properties. For all lots, there

was a trend of increasing milled rice yield with increasing kernel thickness. Head rice yields did

not necessarily follow the same trend.While head rice yields of medium kernels were greater

than those of thin kernels for all lots, head rice yields of thick kernels tended to be less than

medium kernels due to increased fissured kernels in the thick fractions.Milled rice yield was

significantly linked to bulk density.

However, head rice yields were linked to physical properties primarily kernel defects such as

chalkiness and fissured kernel percentage.Thickness grading of long grain rough rice could

concentrate chalky and fissured kernels and partition them into alternative processing streams,

thereby improving the milling yields.

http://www.world-grain.com/articles/news_home/Features/2015/08/Rice_Thickness_Grading.aspx?ID=%7B4DF24E84-2F3D-

4ED3-A330-69892EC84841%7D&cck=1

USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Begin RCPP Project

Implementation

Application Form

It's time

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Monday, USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited (DU) will officially kick

off implementation of their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) joint project,

"Sustaining the Future of Rice", that was announced in January 2015.RCPP is funded through

the 2014 Farm Bill and administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS). The USA Rice-DU project matches private and federal funding to help pay for

conservation work completed through NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentives Program

(EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited were

awarded $10 million in Federal funding with $6.8 million contributed by nearly 40 partner

organizations and businesses.

"Our two organizations have worked very hard over the last year-and-a-half to make sure this

project is a success," said Jeff Durand, a Louisiana rice grower and the USA Rice chairman of

the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership. "It's important that as many rice

farmers sign-up and submit applications as possible this year to make sure they get a chance to

participate."

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California rice grower and the Ducks Unlimited chairman of the partnership, Al Montna, echoed

his enthusiasm for the project."We cannot stress enough the close relationship between

waterfowl and the rice industry and how much they need each other," he said. "What's good for

rice is good for ducks, and vice versa, and the RCPP is a natural fit for our vital conservation

efforts. We look forward to continuing this strong, successful partnership beyond this first

project."

Next week's implementation will begin with sign-ups opening for EQIP applications for

ricelands in Arkansas and Mississippi. Applications will be due to local NRCS offices in

qualifying counties by October 16, 2015 to be ranked and awarded funding."This is a two-year

project, but funding is limited and we want to ensure farmers have enough time to install the

necessary EQIP practices," said Durand.The other four states covered by the partnership:

California, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas, will begin their EQIP sign-ups later this fall. Sign-up

for CSP is set to begin in each of the six rice states late in 2016.

Contact: Peter Bachmann (703) 236-1475

USA Rice Briefs Grand Prairie Region Rice Farmers on

Export Opportunities, Challenges

Marvin Lehrer

Lehrer leading a retail tour in Mexico in 2013

STUTTGART, ARKANSAS - This week USA Rice's Marvin Lehrer was the principal speaker

at the annual RiceTec appreciation dinner held here at the Grand Prairie Center. Nearly ninety

local rice farmers attended the event to hear about the opportunities and challenges in moving

rice to the key nearby markets of Mexico, Cuba, Central America, and Colombia.

"Mexico remains the top market for U.S.-grown rice, but we need to focus on promoting U.S.

rice as s a high quality, consistent, and safe product to ensure we hold on to our market share,"

Lehrer said.Lehrer turned his attention to Cuba, an exciting market he knows well. "The Cuban

market will take some time, but all the signs from Havana and Washington point to changes over

the next several years that will result in U.S. rice again appearing in Cuban homes," he said.

"USA Rice, bolstered by support from the industry, continues to lead efforts in that direction."

Discussing other markets in the region, Lehrer stated, "Colombia is a resounding success story

and a great example of how well-executed trade agreements can create new, vibrant markets for

us." "We appreciate USA Rice's strong efforts in opening markets, promoting our product and

being with us to inform farmers of developments in the key export markets," said Wes Long,

District Sales Manager, RiceTec.

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Contact: Chuck Wilson (870) 509-1200TDRI

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

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CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for August 7

Month Price Net Change

September 2015 $11.430 - $0.010

November 2015 $11.700 UNCH

January 2016 $11.990 UNCH

March 2016 $12.200 - $0.025

May 2016 $12.385 - $0.020

July 2016 $12.385 - $0.020

September 2016 $11.865 - $0.020

TDRI suggests rice research centre

Thai market share gouged by Vietnam

7 Aug 2015 at 08:02 1,375 viewed1 comments

NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PATHOM SANGWONGWANICH

A variety of rice is on sale at a shop on Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Road. Economists are urging the

government set up an institute to carry out rice R&D for commercial purposes. SEKSAN

ROJJANAMETAKUN

Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)

fellows are urging the government to establish a

Rice Market Development Institute to enhance

scientific research, disseminate credible

information to farmers and entrepreneurs and

improve the competitiveness of Thai rice

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cultivation.Nipon Poapongsakorn, a distinguished fellow at the TDRI, said a finalised proposal

will be submitted to the Commerce Ministry after discussions at a seminar yesterday. It wants the

ministry to forward the proposal to the National Rice Policy Committee and the cabinet for

deliberation."We prefer this institute is established during this government's tenure because

elected governments are interested in subsidies, and there would be no interest in long-term

research development," he said.

Thailand is losing its market share in the global rice market, especially for high-quality rice,

because of fierce competition from Vietnam, which offers a variety of rice types at a lower price

than Thailand, said Mr Nipon.He said Thai rice farmers and small and medium-sized

entrepreneurs had a hard time receiving credible rice market information, hindering their

decision-making. A lack of public research on the rice market also hurts Thai rice

competitiveness."Thailand has never had any research on rice marketing and there is no major

programme dedicated to rice research. If research on how chemistry can induce softness into

different rice types is successful, it would boost sales," said Mr Nipon.He said the institute could

disseminate information on rice output, market demand, climate forecast and laws in importing

and exporting countries. It could also connect private and public players both domestically and

overseas, said Mr Nipon.

The institute should be set up as a foundation to prevent political interference and foster flexible

management, he said, citing the Thai Tapioca Development Institute as an example. Mr Nipon

said it should be chaired by the commerce permanent secretary to facilitate cooperation with the

bureaucracy and receive government funding for its first six years, after which it should be self-

sufficient.

He envisions a committee of seven members representing relevant sectors.A study concluded

creating such an institute would incur medium-term benefits estimated at 16.8 billion baht

compared with investment capital of 2 billion baht over the initial six years, said Asst Prof Isriya

Bunyasiri of the agricultural and resource economics department of Kasetsart University.Rice

marketing research is not meant to be used to compete with Thailand's rice producers, but rather

for genetic research and processing procedures to improve the quality of exports, increasing

Thailand's rice market share, she said.Political interference in Thai public entities dictates the

institute must be an independent organisation, said Mr Nipon.

link:http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/647244/tdri-suggests-rice-research-centre