Arsenic in Rice 1/11/15
Published
On: Feb 04 2015 01:50:45 PM CST
Rice
and many products containing rice have significant levels of inorganic arsenic,
which is linked to cancer.The Food and Drug Administration recommends parents
consider other options rather than rice cereal for their children's first solid
food."Rice comes in lots of varieties. And it's a common ingredient in
many packaged foods. Consumer Reports analyzed Food and Drug
Administration data on more than 600 foods that contain rice and found some
with worrisome levels of inorganic arsenic."We found that hot rice cereal
and rice pasta can have much more arsenic than we saw in our previous tests. So
we now recommend that children rarely eat these foods, which means not more
than twice a month.
" And
Consumer Reports recommends children under five limit rice drinks, rice cakes
and ready-to-eat rice cereals.Michael Crupain, "Levels of arsenic vary. We
based our recommendations on the higher levels in each food group to offer
consumers the best protection."As for rice itself, Consumer Reports' lab
tests in 2012 found high levels of inorganic arsenic in white rice and even
higher levels in brown rice. Michael Crupain, "Arsenic in our food is
a real public health problem and we think it's important to eat less of
it."
Consumer Reports has tested other types of rice and other grains and has found several alternatives with much lower levels of inorganic arsenic.
Consumer Reports has tested other types of rice and other grains and has found several alternatives with much lower levels of inorganic arsenic.
Some
good choices - sushi rice from the U.S. and white basmati rice from California,
India and Pakistan. Michael Crupain, "On average they had half the
amount of arsenic as most other types of rice." Other good options -
bulgur, barley and farro … and gluten-free grains like amaranth, buckwheat,
millet and quinoa.The USA Rice Federation says, "studies show that
including white or brown rice in the diet provides measureable health benefits
that outweigh the potential risks associated with exposure to trace levels of
arsenic.
" The
Food and Drug Administration says "an ongoing assessment of arsenic in
rice remains a priority for the agency."It plans to release a draft
assessment of potential health risks.f you eat brown rice, Consumer Reports
found brown basmati rice from California, India and Pakistan has about one
third less inorganic arsenic than other brown rice.
Industrial Market Research Reports Annoucements
Published
on Wednesday, 04 February 2015 21:47
Submitted
by Salil Modak
This
report has introduced Rice Bran Oil markets in China and other countries or
regions (such as US, Europe, Japan, etc) by presenting research on global
products of different types and applications developments and trends of market,
technology, and competitive landscape, and leading suppliers and
countries’2009-2014 capacity, production, cost, price, profit, production
value, and gross margin.
2015 Market Research Report on Global Rice Bran Oil Industry is a
new market research publication announced by Reportstack. This report is a
professional and depth research report on Global Rice Bran Oil industryFor
overview analysis, the report introduces Rice Bran Oil basic information
including definition, classification, application, industry chain structure, industry
overview, policy analysis, and news analysis, etc
For international and China market analysis, the report analyzes
Rice Bran Oil markets in China and other countries or regions (such as US,
Europe, Japan, etc) by presenting research on global products of different
types and applications developments and trends of market, technology, and
competitive landscape, and leading suppliers and countries’2009-2014 capacity,
production, cost, price, profit, production value, and gross margin. For
leading suppliers, related information is listed as products, customers,
application, capacity, market position, and company contact information, etc.
2015-2020 forecast on capacity, production, cost, price, profit,
production value, and gross margin for these markets are also included
Modern genetics (not necessarily GMOs) can help spur next Green
Revolution
The
green revolution transformed global agriculture. Through selective breeding,
Norman Borlaug, an American biologist, created a dwarf variety of wheat that resulted
in more grain per acre. Similar work at the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines dramatically improved the productivity of
the grain that feeds nearly half the world.From the 1960s through the 1990s,
yields of rice and wheat in Asia doubled. Even as the continent’s population
increased by 60 percent, grain prices fell, the average Asian consumed nearly a
third more calories, and the poverty rate was cut in half.
To
keep doing that between now and 2050, we’ll need another green revolution. One
vision is high-tech, with a heavy emphasis on continuing Borlaug’s work of
breeding better crops, but with modern genetic techniques. The signature
technology of this approach—and the one that has brought both success and controversy
to Monsanto—is genetically modified, or GM, crops.But Monsanto is not the only
organization that believes modern plant genetics can help feed the
world. At the International Rice Research Institute only a few varieties are GM
crops, in the sense that they contain a gene transferred from a different
species.The institute’s entire breeding operation has been accelerated by
modern genetics.
For
decades IRRI breeders patiently followed the ancient recipe: Select plants with
the desired trait, cross-pollinate, wait for the offspring to reach maturity,
select the best performers, repeat. Now there’s an alternative to that
painstaking process. In 2004 an international consortium of researchers mapped
the entire rice genome, which comprises some 40,000 individual genes. Since
then, researchers around the world have been pinpointing genes that control
valuable traits and can be selected directly.
Iowa rice
farmer to be inducted into Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction
Posted: Feb 04, 2015 2:48 PM PSTUpdated: Feb 04, 2015 2:48 PM PST
He began as a state FFA officers at Fenton High School,
gaining knowledge and experience he's used on state and national agriculture
organizations for the past 50 years. Hoppe remains busy running a
specialty rice package business with his wife, Brenda. The aromatic-type rice
called 'Jazzman' has garnered customers from all over the nation."It feels
good be able to know that people are enjoying something that you've been involved
in," said Hoppe. "It's just one of those things, it's very
gratifying.
"Hoppe also assists and mentors his young tenant
farmer in the production of rice, soybeans and wheat on his farm, even through
the industry's tough times."A lot of young people are not getting into
farming because it's just too costly to get started," he said. "The
main reason that farmers stay in business is because they're self-employed,
they are making the decisions and they like doing what they do."He also
says in order to be a successful farmer, one must know their business inside
and out.
"Just have the knowledge of everything that they
have to face," he said.Ceremonies honoring the 2015 inductees into the
Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction will take place at 7 p.m. on
Thursday, March 5 at White Oak Plantation. Hoppe was voted U.S. rice
farmer of the year in 1999 and is also known for his contributions in
cutting-edge agricultural research and working with the LSU AgCenter Rice
Research Station.
CCC Announces Prevailing World
Market Prices
|
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity
Credit Corporation today announced the following prevailing world market prices of
milled and rough rice, adjusted for U.S. milling yields and location, and the
resulting marketing loan-gain (MLG) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates
applicable to the 2014 crop, which became effective today at 7:00 a.m.,
Eastern Time (ET). Rough rice prices decreased $0.04 per cwt for both
long grain and $0.17 for medium/short grain. The changes in the
announced prices and rates reflect world market prices and technical changes
due to the milling yield information available for the 2014 crop.
This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S. milling yields and the corresponding loan rates:
The next program announcement is scheduled for February 11. |
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CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures
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RICE
EXPORTS BOOST 3.5PC IN SIX MONTHS
Wednesday, February 04, 2015 - Islamabad—Rice exports increased by 3.46 percent during the
first half of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of
last year. According to data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the rice
exports were recorded at $976.784 from July-December (2014-15) compared to the
exports of $944.077 in July-December (2013-14), showing an increase of 3.46
percent.
Among the rice commodities, the exports of
basmati rice increased by 2.63 percent by going up from $294.517 million last
year to $302.265 during the first six months of the current fiscal year. The
exports of all other rice commodities increased by 3.84 percent during the
period under review as it went up from $649.560 million last year to $674.519
million in the current year, the PBS data revealed.Meanwhile, on year-on-year
basis, the over all exports of rice witnessed negative growth of 9.17 percent
in December 2014 compared to the exports of December 2013. The rice exports in
December 2014 were recorded at $238.179 million compared to the exports of
$262.219 million in December 2013. On month-on-month basis, the rice exports in
December witnessed increase of 7.68 percent when compare to the exports of
$221.197 million in November 2014.
Among the rice commodities, the exports of basmati
rice decreased by 27.10 and 3.29 percent in December 2014 compared to December
2013 and November 2014 respectively. Similarly, the exports of other rice
commodities decreased by 3.69 percent when compared to the exports of December
2014 and increased by 10.58 percent when compared to November 2014, the PBS
data revealed.It is pertinent to mention here that the overall exports from the
country during the first six months of the current fiscal year were recorded at
$12.073 billion compared to the exports of $12.617 billion during the
corresponding period of last year, showing negative growth of 4.31 percent. On
the other hand, the imports into the country increased by 11.68 percent during
the first half of the current fiscal year by going up from $21.671 billion in
July-December (2013-14) to $24.203 billion in July-December (2014-15).—APP
Asia
Rice-Lower prices stimulate buyers in Iraq, Malaysia, Africa
Wed Feb 4, 2015 8:02am GMT
"Vietnam is very much willing to sell now so any price below
$360 a tonne (for 5 percent broken rice) could be accepted," another
trader in Ho Chi Minh City said."Buying for Africa has started, but given
prices dropping, buyers are not rushing in," he said.Loading is under way
in Vietnam's Saigon Port for 40,000 tonnes of 5-percent broken rice for Africa,
and another 20,000 tonnes will be loaded after Tet, the country's Lunar New
Year festival, said the trader with the European firm.Malaysia has also agreed
to buy 240,000 tonnes of Vietnam's 5-percent broken rice for April-November
deliveries, traders in Vietnam said.
Prices are expected to remain under pressure, with supplies in
Vietnam jumping next month when farmers start harvesting the winter-spring crop
in the Mekong Delta on a large scale.In Thailand, Iraq has bought about 80,000
tonnes of rice in an international tender that closed last week at a price of
$443.90 a tonne, cost, insurance and freight free out (CIFFO), European traders
said.The Thai government has still not finalised results for the sale of 1
million tonnes of rice from state warehouses, although the volume is expected
to keep a lid on prices.
"Rice prices won't go anywhere anytime soon," a
Bangkok-based trader said.Thai 5-percent broken rice eased to $413 per tonne,
FOB, on Wednesday, from $415 a tonne a week ago.Top world rice exporter
Thailand will likely ship 10 million tonnes this year, down around 7 percent
from 2014, Thai Rice Exporters Association said this week.
(Additional reporting by Kaweewit Kaewjinda in BANGKOK; Editing by
Tom Hogue)
http://af.reuters.com/article/moroccoNews/idAFL4N0VE3E620150204?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
Rice crops above Chao Phraya Dam
threatened by water shortage
Irrigation officials fear the receding water level above the
Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province could lead to partial damages to rice
fields situated nearby. According to the acting chief of the water
distribution and management unit of the Royal Irrigation Office 12, at the
moment the Bhumibol Dam is storing 5.9 billion cubic meters of water or 45 per
cent of its capacity while the Sirikit Dam has 5.7 billion cubic meters or 60
per cent. Of the combined amount, only 4.9 billion cubic meters
are usable. As for the Chao Phraya Dam, the level of water above the
dam is measured at 14.20 meters above mean sea level and it is speculated to
continue to recede.
Some of the reasons behind the decrease are the distribution of
the water to Bangkok for tap water production and the ongoing effort to flush
out salt water. The water discharge rate is still maintained at 70 cubic meters
per second. Out of the 1.3 million rai of off-season paddies situated
upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, 800,000 rai has yet to be harvested. If the
water level continues to decline, some of the remaining crops could be devastated
by drought.
Farmers
growing 4 million rai of rice despite advice against it
BANGKOK, 4 February 2015 (NNT)-The Water Watch and Monitoring
System Warning Center is urging rice farmers not to grow crops this summer,
saying 58% of the water reserved for use during the dry season has been
depleted. According to the Center, four major dams located in low lying areas
of the Chao Praya River at present contain a combined total of 6.2 billion
cubic meters of water, a little more than half of their capacity.
The four include Bhumipol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi and Pasakcholasit
dams. Around 1.3 million cubic meters of water, reserved primarily for
consumption during the drought crisis, reportedly remains in storage. Farmers
are thus urged not to grow off-season rice to ensure an adequate supply of
water during the summer, as over 4.11 million rai of farmland has so far been
used to grow rice against the Irrigation Department's advice. However, the
Center is confident there will still be sufficient water to support the next
rice growing season.
Costly rice seen
limiting Thai exports
Thai rice exporters are projecting shipments of
just 10 million tonnes this year, mainly due to high prices for Thai
grains. The amount is much lower than the previous forecasts of the
Commerce Ministry and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Charoen
Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said
yesterday.The association expects shipments to fetch US$5.95 billion or 161
billion baht in 2015.The 10-million-tonne amount includes 5 million tonnes of
white rice, 2 million tonnes of Hom Mali fragrant rice, 2.7 million tonnes of parboiled
rice, 100,000 tonnes of glutinous rice and 200,000 tonnes of Pathumthani
fragrant rice.
The USDA earlier forecast Thai rice exports of
11.3 million tonnes, and the Commerce Ministry announced recently that it was
upbeat on Thailand returning to global dominance with as much as 11 million
tonnes shipped this year.Thailand exported 10.96 million tonnes of rice last
year, up 66% from 2013. Export value rose by 23% to $5.43 billion.Mr Charoen
said 2015 would be challenging for rice exports, with Thai rice now quoted at
the highest price in the region.For instance, key rival Vietnam's free-on-board
price for 5% white rice is $350-360 a tonne, compared with Thai grains quoted
at $405-410.
Last year, Thai rice prices were $20-30 cheaper
than those of Vietnam."This year, Thailand is expected to see stiffer
competition, while the government's massive rice stocks and volatile foreign
exchange due to quantitative easing (QE) in Europe and Japan are likely to
exert further pressure on the price of Thai rice," Mr Charoen
said."Falling oil prices are also expected to lead potential rice buyers
in Africa such as Nigeria to buy less."Moreover, drought conditions are
seen lowering domestic production, particularly for the second
crop.Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the
Thai Rice Exporters Association, said lower exports would apply
especially to white and parboiled rice, as potential buyers are expected to
shift to cheaper grains from other rice producers because of falling oil prices
and the strong baht.
Vichai Sriprasert, another honorary president
of the association, said foreign exchange would play a key role in how Thai
rice exports perform, with foreign QE measures of particular importance.He
urged the central bank to help manage the baht and move it in line with the
currencies of other regional competitors."The Thai baht is now relatively
strong compared with other currencies in the region, and even Singapore
announced a surprise easing of its currency policy to dampen inflationary
expectations and support growth," Mr Vichai said.
Phil Rice News
Shift focus from plant to farmer – PhilRice exec
Rasco retired from government
service as he turned 65 on 2 February 2015.DA Assistant Secretary for Field
Operations and Director of the National Rice and Corn Programs Edilberto M. De
Luna assumed post as PhilRice officer-in-charge effective 3 February. The search for the new executive director is
ongoing.
Summing up his term, Rasco said
“PhilRice is probably the easiest organization to manage. With the dedicated
and professional manpower you have here, it can run on auto-pilot and not
crash.”
Rasco urged PhilRice staff members
to pursue “the change that we have trodden together” – to continue advocating
for agriculture-based biosystems in the rice farm.
Rasco and research at PhilRice
Rasco
dedicated almost 4 decades of his career to public service. During his stint as
executive director, Rasco envisioned to transform rural communities into more
productive and sustainable agri-business enterprises. He has always believed in
exploring the potentials of the rice lands to augment rice farming income.He
institutionalized five new R&D programs to address the current and future
challenges in the rice sector.
These
are Coping with climate change, High-value products from rice and its
environment, Farming without fossil
energy, Intensified rice-based agri-bio systems, and FutureRice. Each is geared
toward a self-sufficient, sustainable, and competitive rice economy.To
operationalize these programs, Rasco led the creation of various centers that
would help develop appropriate technologies for rice-based ecosystem.
The Applied Biology Center for the Rice
Environment aims to increase outputs and reduce inputs in rice farming and
rice-based enterprises through applied biology.Rasco also supported research
studies on other sources of energy such as bioethanol and hybrid energy (e.g.
wind/solar, biomass/solar) to develop an energy system for rice-based
agriculture that is renewable, decentralized, and diversified.“To him, farming
without fossil energy is the scientific description for what is commonly called
but misunderstood organic agriculture,” said PhilRice Deputy Executive Director
for Research Dr. Manuel Jose C. Regalado.Recognizing seeds as a critical input,
Rasco also established the Genetics Resources Division to facilitate seed
transfer and germplasm exchange. The Seed Technology Division, on the other
hand, was established to ensure high
seed quality of the newly-released rice varieties through compact
demonstration.
Rasco and development at PhilRice
Rasco strengthened the promotion and
adoption of research outputs through development programs. He conceptualized
the Palayabangan 10-5 challenge to fast-track the search for technology that
can increase production to 10t/ha at a cost of Php5/kg.His term also birthed
the National Year of Rice in 2013 to engage the public in the country’s bid for
rice self-sufficiency. As a follow through, Rasco advocated the Gusto Namin
Milyonaryo Kayo campaign to push for rural transformation rather than mere
technology transmission. He also supported youth engagement in agriculture
through the Infomediary Campaign.
“PhilRice has three treasures
[according to Rasco]: people, germplasm,
and information. From these, rice R&D should eventually help rice-based
farmers become rich,” Regalado said.
Organizational management
PhilRice
also changed its organizational structure with the separation of research and
development but with a continuum of functions. Rasco calls it RDDD or research,
development, demonstration, and deployment.“Research and development is done by
our research arm while demonstration and deployment is done by the development
group. We develop new technologies and create a show window of these
technologies,” Rasco explained.Rasco’s initiative to revamp the qualification
and performance standards of PhilRice staff members led to a 700% increase in
publication and various awards from 2011 to 2014. He also redefined the mandate
of the branch stations to serve as technology development centers or nuclei to
facilitate technology deployment and services to surrounding communities.
Dr.
Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, PhilRice deputy executive director for Development,
described Rasco as a transformative, visionary, and innovative leader.“He has
been a very good mentor; although he
does it subtly. You will just realize he has already taught you the ways to
efficiently do your job,” Quilang said.Pres. Benigno Aquino III appointed Rasco
on secondment as the fourth Executive Director of PhilRice on 14 July 2011 in
his concurrent capacity as professor in UP Mindanao.
Most cited PhilRice scientist retires from gov’t service
Highly
cited PhilRice scientist and crop physiologist Dr. Rolando T. Cruz ended his 19
years of government service at the Institute, January 23. Cruz, who worked at
the Agronomy, Soils, and Plant Physiology Division (ASPPD), was responsible for
conducting systems analysis and simulation modelling for potential yield and
nitrogen optimization in irrigated rice systems.In addition, he spent several
years developing practical field diagnostic tools for plant nutrient status and
evaluating chemical and physical properties of soil-plant-water interactions.
To
date, Cruz is the most cited PhilRice scientist with 1,221 citations both in
local and international refereed journals.“When you are cited in scientific
literature, it means you are a recognized scientist both nationally and
internationally. Dr. Cruz gave PhilRice a name, and it’s a great honor for our
Institute,” said Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr., executive director.
He
also led the development of the Palaycheck System for irrigated rice ecosystems
to increase on-farm rice yields. PalayCheck is PhilRice’s banner program for
favorable environments.“PhilRice offers anyone the chance to be with the
farmers,” said Cruz during a short program organized by the Institute. He cited
the Institute as a “farmer-oriented” agency and thanked his colleagues and the
staff he worked with in the development of new technologies for the farmers.
Cruz was born in Dapitan, Manila and
is based in Los Baños, Laguna. He will continue working for PhilRice as a
consultant and mentor of young researchers.
Farmers inspire kids’ art
When
Science teacher Aurora A. Ferrer assigned the students to make different kinds
of landforms, the group, led by Quilang, envisioned a landform that would pay
tribute to the farmers.For 3 days, the kids made a recreational area, ricefield
and put a helicopter, sports cars, and farm animals on a makeshift rectangular
cardboard.“This is how we want them to live when they are no longer poor,” said
Bandonil, the group’s landscape designer.
Rich farmers
Youth and agriculture
It is rare to meet youngsters
nowadays to have such strong consciousness on agriculture. But what do we have
for Adonai boys to help strengthen their interest?
Fortunately,
PhilRice created programs and conducts various events to attract the youth to
agriculture and raise their consciousness on rice farming.The institute holds
the Lakbay Palay for students. It is a half-day activity where students learn
about new machines used in rice farming, new varieties, and information technology
support including the PhilRice Text Center and PinoyRice . Young professionals
of the Institute also engage the students in discussion to address common
misconceptions on agriculture.
In
partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry, National Parks Development
Committee, and the Asia Rice Foundation, a rice garden was also established at
the Luneta Park in Manila to bring rice farming closer to urban youth. Soon,
similar rice gardens will be put up in some major cities of the country.In
2014, PhilRice re-launched the Rice Science Museum to promote education on rice
through culture and arts. Currently, it houses old and modern farm implements,
artworks, and interactives on rice structure, ecosystems, biodiversity, and
crop management. On average, the museum welcomes 3,000-4,000 guests, mostly
students, every month.The Adonai boys hope that their dreams for the Filipino
farmers will not remain in vain. It might take them a lifetime, but the artwork
is their first step.
Science City of Muñoz recognizes PhilRice scientists
Three
PhilRice scientists were recognized by the local government of the Science City
of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija for “giving pride and honor to the city and for their
contribution in scientific research.”The Institute’s executive director Dr.
Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., Ms. Thelma F. Padolina, and Dr. Riza A. Ramos received
plaques of recognition during the Teachers and Employees’ Night, January
9.Ramos was recognized for receiving the 2014 UPLB Distinguished Alumna Award
and Padolina for the Asian-wide Senadhira Rice Research Award given by the
International Rice Research Institute.Padolina is the first Filipino and the
first woman Senadhira awardee.
Meanwhile,
UPLB recognized Ramos’s contribution in enhancing the micronutrient content
(folate, iron and zinc) of Philippine rice, which created significant impact on
the complementary and sustainable solution to the micronutrient-deficiency
problem in the country. She has numerous publications in the said area in
refereed international journals.The UK-educated scientist is currently the
chief of PhilRice’s Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division. Her current
research involvement is on nutritional quality assessment important for
Philippine rice, factors influencing food intake and nutritional status of
rice-based farm households, and quality assessment of iron and zinc rice lines.
Focused
and significant accomplishments on rice breeding thereby contributing
significantly to improving Filipino farmers’ lives earned Padolina the
Senadhira Rice Research Award.“PhilRice is known for its world-class efforts in
rice science. The staff complementing the mission of PhilRice is one of the
most important building blocks to sustain the excellent status of the
Institute,” said Padolina.Padolina, who just recently retired, served the
Institute for 26 years.
She
chaired the Rice Technical Working Group (RTWG) from 1993 to 1995 and has been
the National Cooperative Test Coordinator from 1998 to present. The RTWG
implements the NCT and is a technical working group of the National Seed
Industry Council (NSIC) mandated under the Seed Industry Development Act of
1992 (RA 7308) to nominate new and improved rice varieties for cultivation.“We
are proud of the individual accomplishments of our staff members who have earned
their awards through persistent dedication and hard work.
For PhilRice to preserve its tradition of
excellence, it must continue to improve,” said Rasco who received the
Leadership Award.The City recognized 17 outstanding individuals from different
agencies.The Science City of Muñoz is home to various research and educational
institutions such as the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Philippine
Carabao Center (PCC), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and
Mechanization (PHilMech), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute
(PhilRice).
PhilRice Agusan is best branch station again
PhilRice
Agusan received the top prize in the 2014 Best Station contest – an annual
internal competition organized by the Institute to elevate and improve the modalities
in promoting new technologies in rice production. It also aims to highlight the
best-fit practices of the stations in rice R&D.Agusan was also recognized
for successfully and creatively executing the Intensified Rice-Based Agri-bio
Systems (IRBAS) program in support of PhilRice’s major advocacy, the Rural
Transformation Movement (RTM).
RTM
aims to help reduce poverty by promoting diversified farming and agri-business
ventures. Nucleus estates will be put up to give farmers access to support
services including training, inputs, custom services, technologies, product
development and packaging, and marketing.
“I
thank the PhilRice management for organizing this contest and all my colleagues
for keeping our station beautiful,” said Abner T. Montecalvo, station
manager.PhilRice Midsayap and Batac placed 2nd and 3rd, and were cited for
creating a strategic research direction and for continually improving their
internal systems and processes in accordance with Integrated Management Systems
standards. PhilRice has three ISO certifications.
The
following awards were also given: Most Improved Field Day to Los Baños; Most
Interactive Field Day to Negros; and Most Innovative External Linkage to
Bicol.The judges traveled across the country to evaluate each station based on
the following: IRBAS (Rural Transformation Campaign Execution); level of
mechanization; organization of field day; varietal demo; client satisfaction;
innovations; internal processes and financial reports; housekeeping and safety;
state of infrastructure; income generation; and station management.
The
judges were Dr. Rex Navarro, former director for communications of the
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); Dr.
Genaro San Valentin and Thelma Padolina, PhilRice consultants; Charlene Tan,
founder of Good Food Community; and Donald Mateo, from the Philippine Center
for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).PhilRice Agusan had
earlier received the Best Field Day (2011) and Best Station awards (2013).
"When You Know Something, Say What You Know. When
You Don't Know Something, Say That You Don't Know. That Is Knowledge." -
Confucius
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