26th February (Thursday),Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

EU Imports 442,433 Tons of Milled Rice from Non-EU Nations in September 1, 2014 - February 17, 2015; Up 2% from Last Year

Feb 25, 2015

Union (EU) has imported around 442,433 tons of milled rice from non-EU nations in September 1, 2014 - February 17, 2015, up about 2% from around 433,770 tons imported during the same period last year, according to the EU data.The U.K remained the biggest buyer of non-EU rice with 88,918 tons (accounting for about 20% of EU's total imports from the non-EU nations during the September 1, 2014 - February 17, 2015 period). France imported 84,358 tons (19%), Netherlands imported 63,138 tons (14%), Germany imported 36,188 tons (8%), Poland imported 28,496 tons (6%), Belgium imported 23,876 tons (5%) and Italy imported 21,022 tons (5%)  during the said period.

The EU milled Indica rice imports from non-EU nations increased slightly to around 238,155 tons during September 1, 2014 - February 17, 2015 from around 236,695 tons imported during the same period in 2013-14 crop year. Most of the milled Indica rice was imported from the Asian Least Developed Countries (LDCs) such as Cambodia and Myanmar under the Everything But Arms (EBA) agreement. The EU imports of Japonica variety also increased slightly to around 41,741 tons during the said period from around 41,104 tons imported last year.However, the EU broken rice imports increased about 24% to around 187,250 tons in September 1, 2014 - February 17, 2015 from around 150,613 tons imported during the same period in 2013-14. 

Global Rice Quotes

February 26th, 2015

Long grain white rice - high quality

Thailand 100% B grade          415-425           ↔

Vietnam 5% broken    360-370           ↔

India 5% broken         390-400           ↔

Pakistan 5% broken    335-345           ↔

Myanmar 5% broken   410-420           ↔

Cambodia 5% broken             425-435           ↔

U.S. 4% broken           475-485           ↓

Uruguay 5% broken    NQ      ↔

Argentina 5% broken NQ      ↔

Long grain white rice - low quality

Thailand 25% broken 365-375           ↔

Vietnam 25% broken 335-345           ↔

Pakistan 25% broken 305-315           ↔

Cambodia 25% broken           410-420           ↔

India 25% broken       355-365           ↔

U.S. 15% broken         465-475           ↓

Long grain parboiled rice

Thailand parboiled 100% stxd            405-415           ↔

Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd    385-395           ↔

India parboiled 5% broken stxd         385-395           ↔

U.S. parboiled 4% broken       555-565           ↔

Brazil parboiled 5% broken    570-580           ↔

Uruguay parboiled 5% broken            NQ      ↔

Long grain fragrant rice

Thailand Hommali 92%          920-930           ↔

Vietnam Jasmine         445-455           ↔

India basmati 2% broken        NQ      ↔

Pakistan basmati 2% broken   NQ      ↔

Cambodia Phka Mails             785-795           ↔

Brokens

Thailand A1 Super      320-330           ↔

Vietnam 100% broken            305-315           ↔

Pakistan 100% broken stxd    275-285           ↔

Cambodia A1 Super   345-355           ↔

India 100% broken stxd         280-290           ↔

Egypt medium grain brokens NQ      ↔

U.S. pet food 380-390           ↔

Brazil half grain          NQ      ↔

All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com

 

Indonesia President Begins Rice Distribution Operations

Feb 25, 2015

The Indonesian President Joko Widodo has formally begun the operations for distributing Bulog rice in the market in line with the government's decision to control price hikes, according to local sources. The distribution operations were formally launched at Bulog's Warehouse in North Jakarta.The government has planned to distribute over 300,000 tons of rice across the country at about 7,400 per kilogram (around $576 per ton).

The Trade Minister was quoted as saying that the government would initially distribute 1,600 tons of Bulog rice in Jakarta and its satellite towns of Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek).The President also simultaneously launched the rice distribution operations under this year's Rice for the Poor (Raskin) program at around 1,600 Rupiah per kilogram (around $125 per ton). The government will reportedly distribute 19,000 tons of rice through the Raskin program by March this year. He noted that Bulog currently has 1.4 million tons of rice stocks and they would be sufficient until the arrival of rice from the ongoing harvest in March and April. He added that stocks would be sufficient despite a rise in demand.

Domestic rice prices have been surging since September 2014. According to data from the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), local rice prices currently stand at around 9.78 million Rupiah (around $761) per ton, up about 10% from around 8.93 million Rupiah (around $750) per ton in September 2014, and up about 9% from their year ago levels.The government has ruled out any immediate imports of rice ahead of the harvest season in March.

New Port Contract Brings Relief to California Rice Sector

Feb 25, 2015

Problems between dock workers and terminal operators in the U.S. West Coast ports seems to be over with the signing of a new contract signed by the dockworkers' union and the terminal operators at 29 West Coast ports, including the Port of Oakland, in the beginning of this week, according to local sources.It is certainly a good news to the California rice exporters who have been bearing huge losses due to delay in shipments as well as cargos piled up on docks during the month-long slowdown. California's rice sector lost about half the regular volume of exports in December and January, according to the President and CEO of the California Rice Commission. "The haemorrhaging has stopped and now we can start to get healthy again," he was quoted as saying. He added that actual losses cannot be calculated until the existing backlog of shipments are settled.

Nearly 80% of the rice grown in California is medium-grain rice and is exported through the port of West Sacramento and Oakland port to the countries in the south Pacific.California is the second largest rice producing state in the U.S. after Arkansas, and contributes to around 2 million tons of paddy rice annually or about 25% of the total rice grown in the U.S. The state's rice sector employs about 25,000 people and most of rice grown here is exported.California rice sector had been impacted by drought last year. The state's paddy rice acreage in 2014 had declined to around 420,000 hectares, down about 25% from around 525,000 hectares planted in 2013 due to prolonged dry conditions and water shortages.

Lao PDR Plans to Strengthen Sanitary Measures to Boost Rice Exports

Feb 25, 2015

The government of Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (PDR) is planning to strengthen sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures as part of efforts to boost rice exports, according to a notice on the government web portal.Laos is almost self-sufficient in rice production and consumes almost all of the output domestically. The South East Asian nation exports about 300,000 tons of rice annually to Vietnam, Thailand and China.

But the government is keen on boosting rice exports by increasing production. It  is planning to increase the paddy rice production by about 70% y/y to around 4.2 million tons (around 2.65 million tons, basis milled) in 2015.In line with its targets, the government is stepping up efforts to increase awareness about sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues among the rice producers and millers. The Ministry of Agriculture hosted a knowledge dissemination meeting last week to apprise the exporters and producers the demands of various trade partners over the sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures.The Vice Minister of Agricultural and Forestry told rice stakeholders that the government has signed agricultural and crop production agreements with Thailand, Vietnam and China, and according to the agreements, Laos needs to follow the conditions of food safety and plant sanitary measures.

He also noted that the government has signed a rice export contract with China, which includes an agreement on phyto-sanitary measures. He said China wants the government to follow the standards of the WTO with regard to protocols of bio-safety and Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary measures (SPS Protocol). He added that the agreement specifically focuses on the phytosanitary and pest management measures required, the methods of processing, packaging, transport and other important measures. Earlier, the Vice-Minister noted that there is huge demand for Laos’ sticky rice among the Chinese. USDA estimates Laos to produce around 1.55 million tons of milled rice (around 2.46 million tons, basis paddy) in MY 2014-15 (January 2015 - December 2015) and import around 10,000 tons of rice to meet consumption needs of around 1.58 million tons.

Oryza Afternoon Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Recover from Early Losses but off of Session Highs as Rallying Crude Weighs on Grain Prices

Feb 25, 2015

Chicago rough rice futures for May delivery settled 6 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $10.770 per cwt (about $237 per ton). After falling overnight and into the morning session rough rice futures made a big rally during mid-day trading. However, the buying interest quickly subsided and prices drifted much closer to the unchanged line during afternoon trading. Despite prices closing off of the highs the fact that they did manage to hold out for a gain despite bearishness in the other grains is seen as a positive sign for the market. Traders will now focus on yesterday’s settlement price of $10.710 per cwt (about $236 per ton) as a key signal of future trade direction.

 A higher close tomorrow will complete an outside up pattern and signal that the recent bearishness is indeed over and that a recover is underway, likely triggering additional buying. On a move higher traders will keep an eye on the recent high of $11.160 per cwt (about $246 per ton) as a key point of resistance. The other grains finished lower but off of session lows; soybeans closed about 0.8% lower at $10.1075 per bushel; wheat finished about 1.3% lower at $4.9725 per bushel, and corn finished the day about 0.5% lower at $3.8375 per bushel.U.S. stocks traded mostly higher on Wednesday after closing at records on Tuesday, amid firming oil prices, moderate housing data and no news out of Fed Chair Janet Yellen's second congressional testimony.

Yellen's remarks to the Senate on Tuesday were mostly dovish but added little weight on either side to analyst expectations on the timing of an interest rate hike. The Fed chair repeated the remarks on Wednesday in front of the House Financial Services Committee. Stocks were little changed after morning housing data and earnings. New U.S. single-family home sales in January fell a less-than-expected 0.2% to 481,000 and supply rose to its highest level since 2010, hopeful signs for the sluggish housing market.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that weekly crude inventories rose 8.4 million barrels, more than expected. The figures were in-line with Tuesday's American Petroleum Institute report of 8.9 million barrels. The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded up 14 points, or 0.08%, to 18,224. The S&P 500 traded up 0.56 points, or 0.03%, to 2,116, with consumer discretionary leading four sectors higher and utilities the greatest laggard. The Nasdaq gained 8 points, or 0.16%, to 4,976. Gold is trading about 0.4% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 2% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.2% lower at about  1:00pm Chicago time.Tuesday, there were 1,505 contracts traded, down from 1,053 contracts traded on Monday. Open interest – the number of contracts outstanding – on Tuesday increased by 132 contracts to 9,180.

Myanmar Signs 100,000 Ton Rice Export Contract with China

Feb 26, 2015

The Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) has signed a contract with the China's state run China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) to export 100,000 tons of rice to China is separate monthly shipments in accordance with market prices at the time of shipment, local sources quoted an official from the  (MRF) was quoted as saying. According to the Joint Secretary of the MRF, It has been agreed to export rice in separate monthly shipments at the prevailing prices at the time of shipment to ensure a fair trade for both parties. He also noted that the Myanmar rice exporters do not have enough capacity to export all 100,000 tons of rice at one go. Officials from the MRF have been working to sign this contract for last few months in order to legalize rice exports to China.

Initially nine companies were shortlisted to export rice to China but the number is likely to go up as China sought increase in the number of exporters.According to the agreement, rice exporters should get their rice inspected and accredited with the China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and then seek approval from the China Certification and Inspection Group before exporting rice to China.The MRF Joint Secretary noted that they would begin exporting rice to China from April. He noted that the MRF is taking all measures to meet the quality and variety standards in accordance with China's specifications.

Currently export prices of Myanmar 5% broken rice is quoted at around $415 per ton and 25% broken rice is quoted at around $325 per ton.Around 1.1 million tons of rice have been exported in the first nine months of 2014-15, of which 800,000 tons comprise of exports to China through the borders. The Myanmar government is targeting to export around 2.5 million tons of rice in FY 2015-16 (April - March), up about 67% from an estimated 1.5 million tons in FY 2014-15.USDA estimates Myanmar to produce 18.98 million tons of paddy rice (around 12.15 million tons, milled basis) and export around 1.4 million tons of rice in MY 2014-15 (January - December 2015).

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap – Unchanged Market as Snowy Weather Hampers Movement of Rice

Feb 25, 2015

The U.S. cash market was unchanged today with little trading to report as most buyer and seller price ideas are roughly $0.50-$1.00 per cwt (about $11-$22 per ton).Icy and snowy weather continues to hamper movement of rice in the U.S. mid-South causing a headache for some farmers, mills, and exporters however forecasts are expected to improve by the weekend.Analysts note that farmers are beginning to make preparations for next year’s crop however some believe that rice is losing favor with farmers as the softer prices currently seen are at or below their cost of production

Oryza Overnight Recap – Chicago Rough Rice Futures Sharply Lower Overnight as Other Grains Turn Bearish

Feb 25, 2015

Chicago rough rice futures for May delivery are currently listed 14 cents per cwt (about $3 per ton) lower at $10.570 per cwt (about $233 per ton) ahead of floor trading in Chicago. The other grains are seen trading lower this morning: soybeans are currently seen about 0.4% lower, wheat is listed about 0.5% lower and corn is currently noted about 0.3% lower.U.S. stock index futures signaled a flat open on Wednesday as investors digested comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's speech to Congress which hinted that the central bank was not in a rush to hike interest rates.

Yellen is set to continue her testimony on Wednesday in front of the House Financial Services Committee, as new home sales figures for January are due, both at 10.00 a.m. ET. Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose 5% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending Feb. 20 from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Existing home sales for January reported on Monday slumped to the lowest level in nine months amid a shortage of properties in the market. Investors will also watch oil inventories at 10:30 a.m. ET from the U.S. Energy Information Administration for signals on supply build-up. Gold is currently trading about 0.7% higher, crude oil is seen trading about 0.3% higher,  and the U.S. dollar is currently trading about 0.2% lower at 8:00am Chicago time.

Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Today

Feb 25, 2015

Asia rice sellers kept their quotes unchanged today.

5% Broken Rice

Thailand 5% rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton, about $50 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice  shown at around $355 - $365 per ton. India 5% rice is quoted at around $390 - $400 per ton, about $55 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around $335 - $345 per ton.

25% Broken Rice 

Thailand 25% rice is quoted at around $365 - $375 per ton, about $40 per ton premium on Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $325- $335 per ton. India 25% rice is quoted at around $355 - $365, about $50 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around $305 - $315 per ton.

Parboiled Rice

Thailand parboiled rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton. India parboiled rice is quoted at around $385 - $395 per ton, on par with Pakistan parboiled rice quoted at around $385 - $395 per ton.

100% Broken Rice

Thailand broken rice, A1 Super, is quoted at around $320 - $330 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $305 - $315 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $280 - $290 per ton,  about $5 per ton premium on Pakistan broken sortexed rice quoted at around $275 - $285 per ton.

Download/View On-Line the above News in pdf format,just click the following link

26thFebruary (Thursday),Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine 

25th February (Wednesday),2015 Daily Global Rice Digital Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

FTAs do not work well for Pakistan

February 25, 2015

MUSHTAQ GHUMMANPakistan is said to have poorly negotiated three out of a total of four Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as imports from China, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are rising faster than exports. Commerce Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir, who on a number of occasions said that in the past FTAs were not properly negotiated by the Commerce Ministry, is now readying himself to start negotiations with Turkey on an FTA recently agreed by the senior leadership of the two countries. The Commerce Minister himself played a role in convincing the Turkish leadership to sign an FTA with Pakistan. Turkey had imposed extraordinary duty on Pakistani textile products due to which Pakistan's exports nose-dived from $900 million to $400 million and efforts made by Islamabad to bring exports to the level of 2011 remained fruitless. Giving details, the sources said though Pakistan's exports to China increased from a few million dollars to $2.5 billion - with yarn the highest export earner - yet Chinese imports soared to $8 billion.

However, bilateral trade figures quoted by China are far different from those cited by Islamabad. Officials in Commerce Ministry claim that Pakistan is facing a revenue loss of Rs 22 billion per annum due to a trade imbalance, adding that Islamabad could not reap the benefits of Margin of Preferences after China signed FTAs with other countries, especially ASEAN. Pakistan has requested China to open services sector for Pakistan for deeper linkages and greater market access to each other's markets. Commerce Ministry is also considering speeding up engagements in services sector and de-linking services from the goods negotiations. According to sources, Chinese investments in the Economic Corridor will be channeled through Pakistani banks. It is expected that current account deficit would curtail by 15-20 percent which would be an enormous achievement if an agreement is reached. A Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia has also failed to provide a level-playing field as trade balance remained in favour of Malaysia from day one.

Pak- Malaysia trade volume which was in the range of$1.007 billion reached $2.66 billion a couple of years ago. During July-April 2012-13, Pakistan's exports stood at $0.20 billion against imports of $1.75 billion, totalling $1.95 billion which implies that trade balance was $1.55 billion in favour of Malaysia. Main reasons for balance of trade in favour of Malaysia are imports of palm oil, rubber and timber. However, Malaysia is still unhappy with the volume of palm oil being imported by Pakistan, saying that its palm oil exports to Pakistan declined from 90 per cent to almost 50 per cent. Pakistan's exports to Sri Lanka dropped from $347.7 million in 2011 to $300.9 million in 2012.

 There was some improvement in the following year but it only went as high as $316.4 million whereas our imports from Sri Lanka remain well below $100 million. Sri Lanks has allocated Pakistan a duty-free quota of 6000 MT of Basmati rice and of potatoes of 1000 MT per annum. However, Sri Lanka has raised concerns on a number of occasions on the quality of Pakistani Basmati rice. Pakistan is a key importer of Sri Lankan tea. According to the private sector, although Pakistan had signed FTAs with Malaysia and Sri Lanka the quantum of garment imports of these countries is not significant; these markets are not providing any sizeable replacement for the EU and the US markets.

Pakistan's major exports to Sri Lanka include woven cotton fabrics, cement, sugar, wheat and muslin, medicament mixtures, tubes and pipes of iron and steel, potatoes, rice, cotton yarn, and onions etc. Sri Lanka's major exports to Pakistan are vegetable products, natural rubber, fiberboard of wood, cashew nuts, coconuts, peppers and capsicum, tea, sewing thread, cereal straws, tyres and scrap of paper or paperboard, etc. In April 2014, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced tariff concessions on the import of 993 items from Sri Lanka under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 

http://www.brecorder.com/top-stories/0/1155202/

Feeling down? Grab a bag of pumpkin seeds: Scientists warn we are 'eating ourselves miserable' with unhealthy snacks

Pumpkin seeds show as best food to boost mood, according to new study

Other feel-good foods included salmon, rice, chickpeas and asparagus

Cakes, chocolate and sweets only had short-term impact on mood 

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 01:01 GMT, 25 February 2015 | UPDATED: 09:05 GMT, 25 February 2015

Eating seeds is more likely to boost your mood than any other food, according to research.

Seeds and pulses have been shown to improve people’s wellbeing and moods more than cakes, sweets and chocolates.Despite this, seven in ten women and one in two men indulge in sweet treats when they are stressed or looking for a mood boost, according to a survey. Pumpkin seeds were shown as the best food to help boost wellbeing and health in a new study, alongside salmon, rice, chickpeas and coconut

Just one in seven people choose fruits, vegetables or wholegrains that are shown to combat stress and raise low moods.The poll of 2,000 people, by rice brand Tilda, found that half ate unhealthy comfort food when they wanted to lift their mood, but only 28 per cent turned to friends or family to feel better.Experts warn that many people are ‘eating their way to sadness’ by eating sweets and junk food.Pumpkin seeds and chia seeds topped a top-ten list of mood-boosting foods compiled by dietitian Sarah Schenker and food psychologist Christy Fergusson. The other items were salmon, rice, quinoa, chickpeas, coconut, asparagus, spinach and beans.

The research found men are more likely than women to turn to specific mood-boosting foods such as oats, quinoa and brown rice at times of stress or when they are looking to boost their health.Perhaps worryingly, women are twice as likely as men to buy their friends or colleagues sugary foods such as chocolate or biscuits to comfort them, which may make their problems worse.Dr Sarah Schenker, a clinical dietitian, said: 'It’s shocking to see wholesome eating habits go out the window when we face a challenge in the day or a lull in a routine. 'This is when healthy eating is most important. We need to replace the short-lived highs we get from refined sugar and processed fat with healthy options and long-term shopping and eating habits. 

'This starts with recognising the types of food that can provide nutritional and psychological benefits; those which are scientifically proven to balance your mood.'Food psychologist Dr Christy Fergusson said: 'To make feel-good, happy chemicals known as our neurotransmitters, we need to provide our body with the right building blocks. 'These come in the form of amino acids that are needed to make hormones including the mood-regulating inhibitory neurotransmitter serotonin - by far one of the most important brain chemicals for determining our mood and regulating our sleep.'Camilla Sheeley, of Tilda, said: 'Taste is an important part of so-called mood food and if we enjoy what we eat and the food has a functional boost, we get a double benefit.' 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2967848/Feeling-Grab-bag-pumpkin-seeds-Scientists-warn-eating-miserable-unhealthy-snacks.html

Minnesota House panel hears bill to block wild rice water standards

By Steve Karnowski
Associated Press

POSTED:   02/24/2015 12:01:00 AM CST

A Minnesota House panel began considering a bill Tuesday to prevent the state for at least two years from enforcing water quality standards designed to protect wild rice, taking up an issue that pits the iron-mining industry against American Indians and environmentalists.A 1973 state law limiting the amount of sulfates discharged into lakes and streams that produce wild rice went largely unenforced until a few years ago.

Representatives of the two largest mining companies in the state, the main electrical utility in northeastern Minnesota and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce testified that enforcing it now would impose huge costs for new pollution controls. But environmentalists said the law is scientifically valid and protects a vital food resource.The law, limiting discharges to 10 milligrams per liter, was based on research from the 1940s, so the Legislature in 2011 ordered the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to conduct extensive new research to see whether the standard needed updating.

The MPCA hopes to finish that research and issue a draft set of new rules around the end of March, including a draft list of designated wild rice waters. But the rulemaking process after that could take up to two more years or longer, said Rebecca Flood, the agency's assistant commissioner for water policy.Rep. Carly Melin's bill would prevent the MPCA from enforcing the existing or new standards until the final rules are adopted, which she says is critical for the iron mining industry, municipal wastewater treatment plants and other businesses."The 10 (milligram) standard is going to bring down our taconite industry," Melin, DFL-Hibbing, told the environment committee.

Activist Winona LaDuke, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and former Green Party vice presidential candidate, testified that she still regularly harvests wild rice. But she said that as she drives through the north country, her elders and other relatives point out places where they used to harvest wild rice before those beds died out."For us it is our most sacred food. ... It is something that is served at all our ceremonies and feasts... So we do not view lightly any suggestion of limiting the ability of rice to sustain itself within the lakes of our territory," LaDuke said.

Flood warned that passing the bill could have unintended consequences because of how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has delegated enforcement of clean water laws to Minnesota while retaining final say over approving state standards. She said the EPA could respond by exercising its authority to hold up any water permit applications, renewals or revisions for all kinds of industrial, wastewater and agricultural facilities upstream from wild rice waters. Flood pointed out that the EPA issued a warning to that effect when a bill to weaken the sulfate standard came up in 2011.The committee did not vote.

Chairman Rep. Denny McNamara, R-Hastings, said the discussion would continue Wednesday, and that the bill may be folded into other legislation later.The committee plans to hear two other bills this week that would also roll back the MPCA's authority over water quality studies and standards.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_27589135/push-block-minnesota-water-quality-standards-that-protect

Farm Bill Sign-Up Deadline is Friday

WASHINGTON, DC -- Farm Bill base acreage and yield update deadlines are still due this Friday although the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has made assurances that just being in the official registry will preclude any penalties. Because this is a new system for everyone, producers as well as the FSA, the paperwork has been overwhelming in some districts. Producers who have not already completed the sign-up process should contact their local FSA office immediately to secure their sign-up status.

"At a meeting today with USA Rice and the FSA, it was clear the agency recognized the challenges around the imminent sign-up," said USA Rice Federation Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Mosely. "They are prepared to help producers complete the process but producers must get in touch with FSA by Friday to be in compliance."

Contact: Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

Secretary Vilsack Talks Ag Trade and Conservation at USA Rice Conference

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack

WASHINGTON, DC --  Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack took to the stage at USA Rice Federation's Government Affairs Conference yesterday to praise and congratulate the whole ag sector for five consecutive years of growth, and the rice industry in particular for their commitment to conservation."Thank you for your great understanding of conservation values," he said while discussing the groundbreaking Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

Vilsack went on to talk extensively about trade issues, including the ongoing Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations."We know market access is important to you and understand the critical importance of a country like Japan," he said.  "But the [TPP] has to be a good deal."Vilsack shared his concern that if the TPP deal is not successful, China will attempt to step into the void with an all-Asia trade pact that could greatly change the dynamic of the region and global rice trade.Vilsack took questions from the audience about the new definition of actively engaged, the Conservation Stewardship Partnership program, and other issues."We were thrilled the Secretary took time to speak to us and share his thoughts on our priority issues," said Betsy Ward, USA Rice's President & CEO.  "It was encouraging to hear we are on the same page on issues like expanding market access and opportunities in Cuba and Iraq, and with supporting Trade Promotion Authority."

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458

NRCS Extends Deadline for CSP Sign-Ups

Jeff Durand (l) and NRCS Chief Jason Weller talk conservation 

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering a renewal option through Tuesday, March 31, 2015for eligible growers with expiring Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts.  These producers must be willing to adopt additional conservation activities aimed at helping them achieve higher levels of conservation on their farms, forests and ranches.USDA will also extend the deadline for general sign-up CSP applications until Friday, March 13, 2015 providing farmers two additional weeks to apply for this funding round of $100 million.

"CSP producers are established conservation leaders who work hard at enhancing natural resources on private lands," NRCS Chief Jason Weller said.  "This contract renewal period will provide greater opportunities for these conservation stewards to voluntarily do even more to improve water, air and soil quality and enhance wildlife habitat on their operations.  By extending the deadline for general sign-up applications, we are ensuring that landowners will be able to take advantage of a program that will enroll up to 7.7 million acres this year."

"We're appreciative that the deadline has been extended," said Ben Mosely, USA Rice Federation vice president of government affairs.  "Growers are staring down a lot of deadlines right now for various farm programs, this extra breathing room will help."Weller said growers can learn more about CSP contract renewals by visiting their local NRCS office or the Conservation Stewardship Program webpage.

Contact:  Michael Klein (703) 236-1458

Amira Nature Foods Ltd Announces Third Quarter 2015 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

Wed Feb 25, 2015 8:33am EST

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Amira Nature Foods Ltd Announces Third Quarter 2015 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call

Amira Nature Foods Ltd (the "Company;" or “Amira”) (NYSE: ANFI), a leading global provider of packaged Indian specialty rice, will release its third quarter 2015 financial results on Monday, March 2, 2015, before market open. The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results with additional comments and details.The conference call is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. ET on Monday, March 2, 2015. The dial-in number for this conference call is (877) 407-3982 for North American listeners and (201) 493-6780 for international listeners. Live audio of the conference call will be simultaneously webcast on the investor relations section of the Company's website athttp://www.amirafoods.com/. An audio replay will be available following the completion of the conference call by dialing (877) 870-5176 for North American listeners or (858) 384-5517 for international listeners (conference ID 13602559). The webcast of the teleconference will be archived and available on the Company’s website.

About Amira Nature Foods

Founded in 1915, Amira has evolved into a leading global provider of branded packaged Indian specialty rice and other products, with sales in over 60 countries today. The Company primarily sells Basmati rice, which is a premium long-grain rice grown only in certain regions of the Indian sub-continent, under its flagship Amira brand as well as under other third party brands. Amira sells its products through a broad distribution network in both the developed and emerging markets. The Company’s global headquarters are in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and it also has offices in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Amira Nature Foods Ltd is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “ANFI.”

For more information, please visit Amira.net

Amira Nature Foods Ltd
Bruce Wacha
Chief Financial Officer
201-960-0745
bruce.wacha@theamiragroup.com

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).  Prices are unchanged from the previous announcement. World Price MLG/LDP Rate Milled Value ($/cwt) Rough ($/cwt) Rough ($/cwt) Long-Grain 15.61 10.11 0.00 Medium-/Short-Grain 15.22 10.25 0.00 Brokens 9.42    ---- ---- This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S. milling yields and the corresponding loan rates: U.S. Milling Yields Whole/Broken (lbs/cwt) Loan Rate ($/cwt) Long-Grain 57.21/12.55 6.64 Medium-/Short-Grain 61.89/8.83 6.51 The next program announcement is scheduled for March 4.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures  

CME Group (Prelim):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 25 Month Price Net Change March 2015 $10.495 + $0.050 May 2015 $10.770 + $0.060 July 2015 $11.010 + $0.050 September 2015 $11.085 + $0.090 November 2015 $11.260 + $0.100 January 2016 $11.350 + $0.100 March 2016 $11.350 + $0.100

 

That ’70s show: ‘Levy rice’ to end in October

By: Sandip Das | New Delhi | February 26, 2015 12:33 am

Around 5 million tonnes of rice are procured through levy rice annually from millers out of the total grain purchase of around 31 million tonnes.The government has decided to dispense with “levy rice”, a mandatory system under which rice millers also undertake rice procurement for the public distribution system by buying paddy directly from the farmers, effective the next marketing season starting October.The system, introduced way back in 1978, is set to be withdrawn as the government felt that a lack of effective supervision often allowed the millers to avoid paying minimum support price (MSP) to farmers and divert the better-quality grain to the open market, if they actually procured.

This defeated the purpose of levy rice, that is, to bridge the capacity deficit with government procurement agencies.It also reckons that once the mandatory purchase of rice by millers is done away with, state procurement agencies could step up their procurement operations. With a high-level committee observing that only 6% of the country’s farmers benefit from the MSP operations, the government is looking at improving the utility of the scheme, while curtailing costly redundancies and focusing on eastern states where the procurement infrastructure is weak.

Among the major rice-producing states, Punjab and Haryana abolished the levy rice system two years ago, but it is still prevalent in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and West Bengal. In the 2014-15 marketing season, a sixth of the total rice procurement for PDS in the country was undertaken by millers.A recent communication from the food ministry to the states said: “With a view to ensure payment of remunerative prices to farmers at MSP or above and to improve outreach of procurement system to the farmgate for their better coverage, it has been decided now that the State Governments should not impose any levy on rice from the millers from October 1st, 2015.

”Around 5 million tonnes of rice are procured through levy rice annually from millers out of the total grain purchase of around 31 million tonnes. The system, although in the form of a diktat and secured a guarantee from the millers that the rice procured them will be given to the PDS operators, was initially meant to enable the millers to use their installed capacities optimally. The levy rice procured used to be in the range of 30-75% for different states years ago.According to official sources, after the abolition of the levy, government agencies such as Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state government-owned agencies would entirely adopt the custom milled rice (CMR) mode where they would purchase paddy from farmers directly by paying MSP and the give the paddy to millers for conversion into rice.

 “Procurement through CMR route would ensure payment of MSP to farmers and reduces chances of irregularities in procurement through the levy route,” a FCI official said.“It is a step in right direction, finally moving away from controlled system to somewhat free markets. The rice millers will have freedom to sell in the market, which should ultimately help farmers getting a better price,” said Ashok Gulati, former chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/markets/commodities/that-70s-show-levy-rice-to-end-in-october/47537/

Unitech Rice Program

 Wednesday, 25 Feb 2015.

By Colleen Barilae – EM TV, Lae

The PNG University of Technology yesterday signed an agreement with a university from India, for a collaborative research program aimed at developing the cultivation and production of rice in Papua New Guinea. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), in India, will be working in collaboration with the PNG University of Technology, (PNGUOT) through research projects and programs that will develop from the field of agriculture and engineering technology. The partnership agreement was formally witnessed by visiting scientists from the TNAU and the Indian High Commissioner to PNG, Shri Madhav Chadra.

The Indian High Commissioner to PNG said the strong relationship between India and Papua New Guinea has paved the way for this program to happen. The agreement also includes the Indian government sponsored scholarships, that will enable staff and student exchange programs to take place between PNGUOT and TNAU. This partnership agreement also includes a Deputation Scheme. The deputation scheme is a scheme that allows a faculty member from an Indian partner university to teach at UOT for a period of one year, with their salary being paid for by the Indian government.

PNGUOT Vice Chancellor Dr. Albert Schram has expressed gratitude to the Indian government for allowing 5 UOT graduates, and staff, to pursue their Masters and PhD Degree programs at Indian partner universities like TNAU and Sardar Patel University in India. The rice research program to be collaboratively held with TNAU at UOT is aimed at minimising costs placed on the import of rice into the country.

Watch Video on http://www.emtv.com.pg/article.aspx?slug=20132144&subcategory=Top-Stories

Rice supplies declining in Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Jakarta | Wed, February 25 2015, 4:55 PM

Jakarta’s Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Trade Agency (KUKMP) admitted on Wednesday that the supply of rice flowing into the capital from various regions is decreasing.“The supply of rice from regional producers has been declining for the past two weeks. In a number of areas, the supply of rice has diminished as well,” KUKMP head Joko Kundaryo said as quoted by Antara news agency.According to Joko, around 1,000 tons of rice are currently flowing into Jakarta on a daily basis, lower than the normal average supply of 2,500 tons daily.The current flow is insufficient, he said, as Jakarta needs an average of 2,000 tons of rice a day to feed the population.

Despite the shortage, he asserts that the currently available stocks of rice are still sufficient to meet the needs of the people in the capital for the next 10 days.With a shortage in the rice supply in regional areas, rice mills are therefore emptier than usual.“We are predicting that the rice supplies will return to normal in March. The situation is improving as many farmers are beginning to harvest their crops,” he explained.He also asked the people in the capital not to panic over the shortages because the rice supplies from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) will still be sufficient to meet Jakarta’s needs for the next six months. (dyl/nfo)(+++)

 http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/02/25/rice-supplies-declining-jakarta.html#sthash.WFI507I8.dpuf

Rice loss figure revised up

Published: 25 Feb 2015 at 07.39

Newspaper section: Business

Writer: Wichit Chantanusornsiri

The estimated loss incurred by ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra's rice-pledging scheme has increased by 19 billion baht from a previous estimate of 518 billion. Finance permanent secretary Rungson Sriworasat yesterday said the latest estimate was updated to the end of fiscal 2014 from just last May 22 in the earlier estimate.The higher estimated loss has raised the total losses from buying 84 million tonnes of paddy in the 15 schemes from 2004-14 to almost 700 billion baht, with the Yingluck government alone accounting for 537 billion, he said.

The figure is crucial, as it will be used in lodging a civil suit, demanding compensation from Ms Yingluck for negligence in her government's rice scheme.The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has submitted a letter to the Finance Ministry requesting it seek compensation from those causing financial losses to the state after it filed a lawsuit with the Office of the Attorney-General accusing Ms Yingluck of dereliction of duty for failing to stop losses and corruption in the rice-subsidy scheme.Apart from Ms Yingluck, the NACC earlier advised the ministry to proceed with a civil lawsuit against a number of individuals and companies involved in allegedly corrupt government-to-government rice deals.

 They include former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, his deputy Poom Sarapol, plus 19 other high-level officials, private sector executives and two companies.Mr Rungson, who also chairs the subcommittee overseeing accounting of all rice subsidy schemes, said the latest estimate had taken findings from a recent inspection by a team working for PM's Office Minister ML Panadda Diskul into account.Of the 17.6 million tonnes of milled rice bought under the previous government's scheme, the inspection deemed only 2.19 million tonnes of standard quality and classified as Grade A. Some 14.4 million tonnes were judged substandard or Grade B and the rest classified as Grade C because it was either rotten or registered incorrectly.

The Bangkok Post

APEDA News

Market Watch

Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 24-02-2015 Domestic Prices Unit Price : Rs/Qtl Product Market Center Variety Min Price Max Price Jowar(Sorgham) 1 Anjar (Gujarat) Other 3215 3215 2 Kota (Rajasthan) Other 1442 1442 3 Theni (Tamil Nadu) Other 1000 1250 Maize 1 Amreli (Gujarat) Other 1260 1595 2 Athani (Karnataka) Local 1100 1100 3 Kota(Rajasthan) Other 1285 1321 Grapes 1 Abohar (Punjab) Other 2000 5500 2 Bharuch(Gujarat) Other 2500 4000 3 Haldwani(Uttrakhand) Other 2600 5000 Cabbage 1 Chala (Kerala) Other 1900 1925 2 Gumla (Jharkhand) Other 1400 2000 3 Padampur(Orissa) Other 1500 1600 Source: agmarknet for more products Egg Rs per 100 No. Price on 24-02-2015 Product Market Center Price 1 Pune 295 2 Mysore 288 3 Ajmer 230 Source: e2necc.com International Benchmark Price Price on: 23-02-2015 Product Benchmark Indicators Name Price Garlic 1 Chinese first grade granules, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 1800 2 Chinese Grade A dehydrated flakes, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 2000 3 Chinese powdered, CFR NW Europe (USD/t) 1300 Ginger 1 Chinese sliced, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 4600 2 Chinese whole, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 5100 3 Indian Cochin, CIF NW Europe (USD/t) 3000 Guar Gum Powder 1 Indian 100 mesh 3500 cps, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 4530 2 Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps basis, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 1850 3 Indian 200 mesh 3500 cps technical grade, FOB Kandla (USD/t) 3875 Source:agra-net for more products Other International Prices Unit Price : US$ / package Price on 24-02-2015 Product Market Center Origin Variety Low High Potatoes Package: 50 lb cartons 1 Atlanta Colorado Russet 21 21.50 2 Baltimore Idaho Russet  22.50 24 3 Detroit Washington Russet 17 17.50 Cucumbers Package: cartons film wrapped 1 Atlanta Canada  Long Seedless 16 16 2 Baltimore Mexico  Long Seedless 12 12 3 Detroit Canada  Long Seedless 11 12.50 Grapes Package: 18 lb containers bagged 1 Atlanta Peru Red Globe

Global rice bran oil press industry market size and forecast 2020 shared in new research report

WhaTech Channel: Industrial Market Research Reports

Published on Wednesday, 25 February 2015 07:33

2015 Market Research Report on Global Rice bran oil press Industry> is a professional and depth research report on Global Rice bran oil press industry.

2015 Market Research Report on Global Rice bran oil press Industry> is a professional and depth research report on Global Rice bran oil press industry.For overview analysis, the report introduces Rice bran oil press 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 press 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.View Full Report: http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/Global--Rice-Bran-oil-press-Industry-Market-Size--Industry---Trend-and-Forecast-2020

For technical data and manufacturing plants analysis, the report analyzes Rice bran oil press leading suppliers on capacity, commercial production date, manufacturing plants distribution, R&D Status, technology sources, and raw materials sources.This report also presents product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc.Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. Analysis also covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, industry development trend and proposals.In the end, the report includes Rice bran oil press new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis, and development trend analysis.

In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Rice bran oil press industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Rice bran oil press industry chain related technical experts and marketing engineers during Research Team’s survey and interviews.

Enquiry About This Report: http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/reportEnquiry/1430

TABLE OF CONTENT:

Chapter One Rice bran oil press Industry Overview

1.1 Rice bran oil press Definition

1.2 Rice bran oil press Classification and Application

1.3 Rice bran oil press Industry Chain Structure

1.4 Rice bran oil press Industry Overview

1.5 Rice bran oil press Industry Policy Analysis

1.6 Rice bran oil press Industry News Analysis

Chapter Two Rice bran oil press International and China Market Analysis

2.1 Rice bran oil press Industry International Market Analysis

2.1.1 Rice bran oil press International Market Development History

2.1.2 Rice bran oil press Product and Technology Developments

2.1.3 Rice bran oil press Competitive Landscape Analysis

2.1.4 Rice bran oil press International Key Countries Development Status

2.1.5 Rice bran oil press International Market Development Trend

2.2 Rice bran oil press Industry China Market Analysis

2.2.1 Rice bran oil press China Market Development History

2.2.2 Rice bran oil press Product and Technology Developments

2.2.3 Rice bran oil press Competitive Landscape Analysis

2.2.4 Rice bran oil press China Key Regions Development Status

2.2.5 Rice bran oil press China Market Development Trend

2.3 Rice bran oil press International and China Market Comparison Analysis

Chapter Three Rice bran oil press Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis

3.1 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Rice bran oil press Capacity and Commercial Production Date

3.2 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Rice bran oil press Manufacturing Plants Distribution

3.3 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Rice bran oil press R&D Status and Technology Sources

3.4 2014 Global Key Manufacturers Rice bran oil press Raw Materials Sources Analysis

Chapter Four Rice bran oil press Production by Regions By Technology By Applications

4.1 2009-2014 Rice bran oil press Production by Regions(such as US EU China Japan etc)

4.2 2009-2014 Rice bran oil press Production by Product Type

4.3 2009-2014 Rice bran oil press Production by Applications

4.4 2009-2014 Rice bran oil press Price by key Manufacturers

4.5 2009-2014 US Rice bran oil press Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis

4.6 2009-2014 EU Rice bran oil press Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis

4.7 2009-2014 Japan Rice bran oil press Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis

4.8 2009-2014 China Rice bran oil press Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis

4.9 2009-2014 US Rice bran oil press Supply Import Export Consumption

4.10 2009-2014 EU Rice bran oil press Supply Import Export Consumption

4.11 2009-2014 Japan Rice bran oil press Supply Import Export Consumption

4.12 2009-2014 China Rice bran oil press Supply Import Export Consumption

Enquiry About This Report: http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/reportEnquiry/1430

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25thFebruary (Wednesday),2015 Daily Global Rice Digital Newsletter by RiceplusMagazine