23rd December (Tuesday),2014 Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

State urged to boost rice sales

Ministry determined to reduce stockpile

Published: 23 Dec 2014 at 06.30

Newspaper section: Business

Writer: Phusadee Arunmas

The government is being urged to improve selling procedures next year to ensure faster sales in order to keep pace with market requirements and to classify grain quality more clearly. Prospective bidders inspect the quality of rice prior to the auction called by the Commerce Ministry yesterday. The ministry put up almost 390,000 tonnes, mainly broken rice, white rice and glutinous rice, drawing an active response from potential buyers. KITJA APICHONROJAREK

"Rotten rice stocks should be eradicated to let the market know the exact amount of the government's rice stocks. This will affect rice prices and eventually lead the market to return to normal," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association."Given the massive volume held by the government, the chance for prices in the market to increase by US$50-100 a tonne would be difficult."He said the overall market was expected to remain tight in 2015 due to anticipated higher supplies by other rice-producing nations such as Vietnam and India.

Mr Chookiat predicts Thailand will export 10 million tonnes next year.The Commerce Ministry forecasts Thailand will ship 10.7 million tonnes this year, a surge of 60% over last year, with value up by 29% to $5 billion.Of the total, the government has shipped 1.06 million tonnes including 230,000 tonnes sold to China.The Commerce Ministry targets exports of 10.5 million tonnes worth $5.2 billion in 2015. Next year's production is estimated at 35 million tonnes of paddy or 22 million tonnes of milled rice, down from 37 million tonnes and 24 million tonnes this year, respectively.Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who chairs the National Rice Policy Committee, last Friday said the government had vowed to dispose of the 17 million tonnes left in its stockpile over the next two or three years through domestic sales as well as exports.

The government could sell the stocks on both a whole-warehouse and a stack basis and plans to beef up local sales.The committee also acknowledged the recent audit of state rice stocks, which counted 17.8 million tonnes, although that included 400,000 tonnes already sold and 390,000 tonnes missing.Of the 17 million tonnes still present, 2.35 million were found to be of good quality, 14.4 million substandard and 694,000 rotten.

Rice-subsidy schemes covering 15 harvests since 2004 have resulted in losses of 680 billion baht from total costs of 1.1 trillion used to buy 85 million tonnes of paddy. The subcommittee inspecting the accounting of several governments' rice-subsidy schemes earlier revealed that of the 15 programmes, four were rice-pledging schemes initiated by the Yingluck Shinawatra government with total losses of 518 billion baht.The Commerce Ministry yesterday put up almost 390,000 tonnes for the fourth auction, mainly broken rice, white rice and glutinous rice, drawing an active response from potential buyers.

Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said the government yesterday agreed to sell 247,000 tonnes from 52 state warehouses to 21 buyers.The ministry sold a combined 348,836 tonnes in the first three auctions, raising 3.6 billion baht.Ms Duangporn said the Commerce Ministry was committed to selling the state rice stocks on a continuous basis until next March before new supply from the second crop entered the market.

Tell

More than 200,000 tons of rice sold in the latest round of auction

Date : 23 ธันวาคม 2557

BANGKOK, 23 Dec 2014 (NNT) - A total of 246,000 tons out of the 400,000 tons of rice were sold in the 4th round of auction this year with 21 companies able to clinch the deal, out of the 34 participants. The Department of Foreign Trade would officially announce the auction result at a later date after receiving the approval from the National Rice Policy Committee which is expected to meet after the New Year’s holiday. The Government would seek to strike a deal with the private sector on the remaining 150,000 tons, whose prices in the last round of auction were still lower than the minimum prices.

Meanwhile, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade Duangporn Rodphaya stated that this year’s rice exports should be as high as 10.7 million tons worth about 5 billion US dollars. She predicted that next year’s volume would be slightly lower, but the value would increase to 5.2 - 5.3 billion US dollars, due to lower global output affected by natural disasters and drought, contrary to the rising demand.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNECO5712230010004#sthash.ADZNVR1e.dpuf

Rice exporters expect weaker sales to G2G markets in 2015

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese rice exporters say they are uncertain about export volume to the concentrated market (government-to-government, or G2G) in 2015 because of stiffer competition in the market.

“We have sufficient information to predict demand in the G2G market in 2015,” said Huynh The Nang, general director of the Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2), one of the two most powerful rice exporters.However, the market will be fiercely competitive because of the presence of strong rice exporters.Nang said the Philippines, which has suffered from typhoon Hagupit, now has the demand for 600,000 tons of rice.The country plans to invite bids in January 2015, though NFA, the country’s national food agency, has denied the possibility of importing more rice than was initially planned, because of Hagupit.

Some other markets including Malaysia and Indonesia have also announced their estimated demands.It is expected that the demand from G2G markets, including the Philippines, may reach 2.5 million tons in 2015 (common white 5 percent, 15 percent and 25 percent broken rice).

Also, according to Nang, though Vietnamese rice exporters have received signs from importers about demands, they still have not obtained any contracts with considerable export volume for 2015.“The demand is big. But whether we can sell rice will still depend on the competition between us and other exporters,” Nang commented.

Meanwhile, analysts warned that Vietnamese exporters should be aware of Thailand, a strong rival that now has a high inventory index.An analyst said it is difficult to predict how much rice Vietnam will export in 2015 because of the instability of the Chinese market.China is now Vietnam’s largest rice importer. However, according to Nguyen Dinh Bich, a renowned rice expert, China is also being eyed by Thailand and India.“We have been relying on the Chinese market, but the market’s demand remains an unknown,” he said, adding that Vietnam will face big challenges in the short term and medium term with other exporters, especially in exporting common rice.

An official of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) noted that the existence of too many rice varieties has reduced Vietnam’s rice competitiveness.“In the common white rice market segment, for example, we offer at least 10 rice varieties. Meanwhile, some importers only accept rice with homogenous quality and variety,” he said.The official noted that Vietnam has not been able to successfully exploit African markets which import 14 million tons of common white rice a year. It still cannot penetrate East African markets, and has only exported small volumes of rice to Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa.

Thanh Lich

Tags:    Rice exporters,rice exporting,  rice farmers,

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/119230/rice-exporters-expect-weaker-sales-to-g2g-markets-in-2015.html

Using weedy rice traits to boost cultivated rice yields

Weedy Rice

Genetic traits in the taller weedy red rice scattered in this field may help new varieties of cultivated rice adapt to climate change. (Photo courtesy of ARS News Service.)

Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2014 12:00 am

By Sharon Durham, ARS News Service

Genetic traits in weedy rice may someday be used to develop sturdy, high-yield varieties of cultivated rice that will flourish in the face of climate change, thanks to findings by scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This work, conducted by Agricultural Research Service plant physiologist Lewis Ziska and his colleagues.Ziska, who is with ARS’s Crop Systems and Global Change Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, studied several rice cultivars to determine if changes in temperature and CO2 levels affected seed yields.

He also looked for visible traits that could signal whether a plant cultivar has the genetic potential for adapting successfully to elevated CO2 levels.The investigation included weedy red rice, which infests cultivated rice cropland. Despite the plant’s downsides, previous assessments indicated that weedy rice growing under elevated CO2 levels had higher seed yields than cultivated rice growing under the same conditions.Ziska monitored the different rice cultivars at current and future projections of atmospheric CO2 and a range of day/night air temperatures. He observed on average, all the rice cultivars put out more aboveground biomass at elevated CO2 levels, although this response diminished as air temperatures rose.For seed yield, only weedy rice and the rice cultivar ‘Rondo’ responded to elevated CO2 levels when grown at optimal day/night air temperatures of 84 degrees F and 70 degrees F.

 In addition, only the weedy rice gained significant increases of aboveground biomass and seed yield under elevated CO2 levels at the higher temperatures expected for rice-growing regions by 2050.Seed yield is a trait linked to seed head and tiller production. Tillers are stalks put out by a growing rice plant. As the plant matures, the seed heads-where rice grain is produced-develop at the end of the tillers. This suggests that crop breeders might someday be able to use this weedy rice trait to develop commercial rice cultivars that can convert rising CO2 levels into higher seed yields.These findings were published in “Functional Plant Biology” in 2013. This work supports the USDA priority of responding to climate change. ARS is USDA’s chief intramural scientific research agency.

http://www.hpj.com/crops/article_94f5a61d-5fb8-5681-b9fb-765011b2f906.html

Pier 1 Imports Now Covered by Johnson Rice

Posted by Stephan Byrd on Dec 23rd, 2014

Equities researchers at Johnson Rice initiated coverage on shares of Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR) in a research report issued on Monday. The firm set an “overweight” rating on the stock.Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR) opened at 15.23 on Monday. Pier 1 Imports has a 52-week low of $11.42 and a 52-week high of $23.60. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $13.6 and a 200-day moving average of $14.39. The company has a market cap of $1.394 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.05.Pier 1 Imports (NYSE:PIR) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 18th.

The company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.20. The company had revenue of $484.50 million for the quarter. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.26 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Pier 1 Imports will post $0.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 21st will be given a dividend of $0.06 per share. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.58%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th.PIR has been the subject of a number of other recent research reports. Analysts at Credit Suisse reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of Pier 1 Imports in a research note on Friday.

They now have a $15.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $13.00. Separately, analysts at Deutsche Bank raised their price target on shares of Pier 1 Imports from $15.00 to $17.00 in a research note on Friday. They now have a “hold” rating on the stock. Finally, analysts at Nomura set a $19.00 price target on shares of Pier 1 Imports in a research note on Friday. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have assigned a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock.

The stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $16.35.In other Pier 1 Imports news, EVP Gregory Humenesky sold 15,000 shares of the company’s stock on the open market in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.00, for a total value of $225,000.00. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.Pier 1 Imports, Inc (NYSE:PIR) is a global importer of imported decorative home furnishings and gifts. Receive News & Ratings for Pier 1 Imports Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pier 1 Imports and related companies with Analyst Ratings Network's FREE daily email newsletter.

http://tickerreport.com/banking-finance/374179/pier-1-imports-now-covered-by-johnson-rice/

Rice exports are expected to total more than 1.5 million tonnes this financial year, the largest quantity since the 1960s

The rise comes despite the rice trade being slowed by an import clampdown from China, Myanmar’s biggest rice export market.About 900,000 tonnes have been exported so far in 2014-15, according to Myanmar Rice Federation joint secretary U Lu Maw Myint Maung. The Myanmar financial year begins April 1.“At present, things are going well,” he said. “Over the next three months, we hope to export much more to China, Europe and Africa.”U Lu Maw Myint Maung, who is also one of the country’s largest rice exporters, said he anticipates exports totalling over 1.5 million tonnes this year.

The export industry had been hard-hit by China’s decision in September to crack down on rice shipments from Myanmar. While rice exports to China are legal from Myanmar’s point of view, China officially outlawsrice imports from Myanmar, though had been generally turning a blind eye. While Chinese officials have not publically explained the crackdown, traders say it has been loosening since mid-November, and most rice shipments through the Muse-Ruili border crossing are now making it through.“Rice exports to China have now almost returned to a normal situation, though the price is a bit lower than what was offered two months ago,” said U Lu Maw Myint Maung.He added Myanmar has also been exporting small quantities of high quality rice to Europe and larger volumes to Africa. It has also been adding new buyers, most recently Sri Lanka.African countries together have traditionally been the largest importers of Myanmar rice until the last two years, when Chinese demand grew.

The country is also set to top its 2013-14 exports of about 1.2 million tonnes, despite the border shutdown.Officials and businesspeople from both China and Myanmar have held negotiations to ensure similar problems don’t happen in the future. Myanmar has put together a 36-member team to negotiate the issue, including representatives from the Myanmar Rice Federation, traders, millers and commodity market officials.Much of the talks have been aimed at finding a way to comply with the health standards China demands for its rice imports. There are signs of a breakthrough, and Myanmar Rice Federation secretary U Ye Min Aung has said the first-ever official exports to the country would start with 200,000 tonnes this month. Half of this quantity is to follow the usual route by land across the Muse-Ruili border crossing, though the other half is to be transported by ocean vessel to China’s eastern seaboard for the first time.

The quantity of rice Myanmar is able to export to China each year is still under discussion, with the Myanmar side requesting to be excused paying tariffs for a specific quantity each year. China for its part has offered to lower the tax rate it has been levying at the border.“After finishing the process of making the market legal, the current methods of rice trading will not be favourable, and doing things legally will be better for both sides,” said U Ye Min Aung.

http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/business/12602-rice-exports-to-top-1-5-million-tonnes.html

Adani Wilmar forays into branded basmati rice segment

Company says many families are actually switching over to branded basmati rice over loose ones

BS Reporter  |  Ahmedabad  

December 22, 2014 Last Updated at 20:57 IST

One of India's leading cooking oil brand Adani Wilmar is foraying into the basmati rice market this season.Traditionally, in Gujarat households stock up rice and other grocery essentials during this season, and Adani Wilmar's release claimed that many families are actually switching over to branded basmati rice over loose ones.Atul Chaturvedi, chief executive officer, Adani Wilmar said, "Our experts source the finest quality of basmati paddy from the basmati growing regions of Punjab and Haryana.”Fortune Traditional Basmati Rice is available in packs of 5 kg, 10 kg and 25 kg.

Adani Wilmar has plans to invest Rs 600 crore this fiscal to expand capacity in its refineries across the country, the company had said in July this year. It has already forayed into the soya chunks market under its 'Fortune' brand.The company's revenue stood at Rs 17,300 crore in FY14. The company, which is a 50:50 joint venture between Adani Group and Wilmar International of Singapore, exports its products to 19 countries in the Middle East, South East Asia and East Africa

Source with thanks:BUSINESS JOURNAL

New Yield Data Available

WASHINGTON, DC -- Yesterday, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that Risk Management Agency (RMA) certified yield data has been made available for producers at FSA county offices.  Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA offices to see what data they have on file from RMA.

This data will help producers make the one-time decision to update their commodity program payment yields or keep their current yields for the new Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programs.  The data on file will be available only to the producer associated with the crop insurance record and the yield update decision must be made by February 27, 2015."The collaboration between FSA and RMA to provide producers with certified yields should help streamline the process of updating yields for the new safety net programs," said Ben Mosely, USA Rice Federation vice president of government affairs.  "Producers should take advantage of this opportunity and make appointments with their local FSA office as soon as possible." 

 Contact:  Evan Spencer (703) 236-1476

Little Rock Chef Proudly Supports U.S.-Grown Rice

 Chef Brian Deloney

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- U.S.-grown rice has a keen supporter in Little Rock chef Brian Deloney, an enthusiastic participant in the USA Rice Federation's restaurant promotion at the 2014 USA Rice Outlook Conference held here earlier this month.   Deloney is the owner of Maddie's Place, a Little Rock restaurant that features inventive variations of Southern-style comfort food with a distinctive Creole influence.Chef Deloney trained under world-famous chef Emeril Lagasse for more than ten years at restaurants from Las Vegas to New Orleans, before returning to his roots in Little Rock to open his own restaurant. 

 Named after Deloney's daughter, Maddie's Place serves Cajun-style dishes including an infamous Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Steamed Rice.Deloney emphasizes his commitment to serving creative dishes with homegrown ingredients such as rice."I love buying local ingredients, I do support that," he said.  "I like really good, simple food done right with love.   Rice is an integral part of our menu, absolutely.  We use rice all over the place."When asked about his preference for using Arkansas-grown ingredients on his menu, Deloney said, "The rice I use comes from Arkansas.  Since rice is such a big deal in Arkansas, it is pretty easy to get and a big part of what we do here."

 Contact:  Colleen Klemczewski (703) 236-1446

 CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures   

CME Group (Preliminary):  Closing Rough Rice Futures for December 23 Month Price Net Change January 2015 $12.185 + $0.025 March 2015 $12.415 + $0.030 May 2015 $12.685 + $0.025 July 2015 $12.850 + $0.025 September 2015 $12.230 + $0.025 November 2015 $12.190 + $0.025 January 2016 $12.200 + $0.025

 

Best Eats 2014: The 12 top Huntsville-area dining reviews from this year

 

ChuckWagon BBQ's Three Meat Plate with ribs, brisket, chicken, slaw and potato salad. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com)

Matt Wake | mwake@al.com

By Matt Wake | mwake@al.com 
Email the author | Follow on Twitter 
on December 23, 2014 at 8:00 AM, updated December 23, 2014 at 9:24 AM

It doesn't really matter if a restaurant employee notices the AL.com/Huntsville Times entertainment reporter is seated over there at table nine. Or if they don't. Because with all internal and external variables involved in the wild animal that's the restaurant business, getting well-prepared food out to a tableful of people in a timely, courtesy and interesting manner is never truly easy. To use a baseball analogy, a major league pitcher knows he's supposed to throw a strike into the catcher's mitt. But that doesn't mean he'll be on target when there are 20,000 fans in the stadium. Or that he'll get the ball past the batter. That's why restaurants and food trucks that do pull off stunning food and sterling service deserve much respect ... and a place on our Best Eats of 2014 list.

Please note: Pricing, available items and hours of operation indicated below reflect those on the date the dining review was conducted. Please call ahead for latest information.

ChuckWagon BBQ
8982 Hwy. 20, Madison
256-772-5179
Monday - Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; 5 - 8 p.m.
Recommendations: Chicken, ribs, pulled pork, brisket.
Price range: Most main dishes $7 - $16.

Suspense builds as you get to the front of the line at Chuckwagon BBQ. A tall gray bearded gent wearing a cowboy hat - and looking like he just finished shoeing a horse - brandishes a large knife and presides over a steaming table of various meats. The ribs are excellent - smoky, tender, a subtle sweetness - and paired well with ChuckWagon's medium barbecue sauce, which has enough kick for most folks. There aren't many barbecue joints in Huntsville that take a stab at brisket. ChuckWagon nails it. The chicken, my serving was basically a breast halved, might have been my favorite main dish here - a pronounced smokiness, super tender well-cooked white meat.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/10/chuckwagon_bbqs_mighty_brisket.html#incart_river

The Eaves Restaurant (Sunday brunch)
501 Church St.
256-489-1752
eaveshsv.com
Sunday brunch: 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Recommendations: Surf & Turf Omelette, Crab Cake BLT, Bourbon Peaches & Cream Signature Stuffed French Toast.
Price range: Most entrees $9 - $22.  

The Eaves brunch menu indicates the Bourbon Peaches & Cream Signature Stuffed French Toast ($15) requires extra prep time. It's worth the wait. Dusky, spicy bourbon notes imbuing the gooey peach stuffing inside the two large planks of French toast, which were expertly cooked. Golden. Right on. The fresh whipped cream on top was super rich and super airy, and when combined with the bourbon peach filling made for a truly decadent experience. The side of bacon, thick cut, Applewood-tasting was a smart, savory counterpoint to all that lights-out sweetness.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/09/the_eaves_restaurant_brunch_is.html

Brasserie Juno
964 Airport Road S.W. Ste. 3
256-880-9920
junohsv.com
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Recommendations:  Tour du Fromage, Duck Au Poivre, Charbroiled Flounder, Chicken Provencal.
Price range: Most entrees $10 - $22

 If you've never eaten snails before, it's actually not a freaky experience. The Escargot ($10) at Brasserie Juno is quite lovely, broiled in a subtle garlic-butter and the snails themselves, served sans shell, had a bouncy texture not dissimilar from clams and a woodsy, Portobello-like flavor. Squeezing the accompanying lemon wedge over the Escargot really made this dish pop. Virtually every molecule of our meal at Brasserie Juno - formerly the long-running German restaurant Café Berlin which ownership rebooted in mid-July as a French place - was assured and elegant. Transportive. And flat-out delicious.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/08/brasserie_junos_french_fare_is.html

Viet Cuisine
405 Jordan Lane
256-361-6067
Monday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. 
Recommendations: Lemongrass Chicken, Dry Phnom Penh Noodle, Tofo And Mixed Vegetable On The Skillet, Seafood Pho.
Price range: Most main dishes $7 - $8.

The Lemongrass Chicken ($7.25) arrived on a sizzling skillet similar to those Mexican restaurants utilize for fajitas. A perfect portion of tender stir fry chicken, supported with a balanced amount of green bell pepper chunks, red onion (caramelized sweet), baby corn, mushrooms and, in a deft move, a few bits of pineapple. Served with white rice. Several sprigs of cilantro imparted exotic, fresh notes. Minced chili pepper added pow. An awesome dish.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/10/viet_cuisine_new_huntsville_re.html

Rollin Lobstah 
256-690-6494
Visit rollinlobstah.com for locations, dates and times
Recommendations: Connecticut Lobstah Roll, Maine Lobstah Roll, Mac & Cheese Bacon Lobstah Bites.
Price range: Most items $7-$11.

When Lobstah debuted this summer at a Downtown Huntsville Inc.'s Street Food event, people were waiting in 90-minute lines to order from this food truck. An hour-and-a-half. Just to order. The Connecticut Lobstah Roll ($11) is particularly excellent. Warm fresh lobster chunks on a toasted lightly buttered bun (with a favorable lobster-to-bun ratio), and this is one of those dishes where the ingredients meld into one.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/06/rollin_lobstah_food_truck_serv.html

Abuela's Mexican Bar and Grill
8694 Madison Blvd. Ste. 7
256-425-1231
Monday - Thursday: 10:30 - 9 p.m.
Friday- Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Recommendations:  Marinated Pork Enchiladas, Tortilla Soup, Diablo Shrimp.
Price range:  Most entrees $6.50 - $13.

They might as well all be franchises of some chain called McMexican's. Those interchangeable, boilerplate Mexican restaurants that serve food so similar you could be in Topeka or Tennessee.  Many of us still eat at them on the regular. Mostly because of proximity to work or home. Located in Madison, Abuela's Mexican Bar and Grill is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Huntsville and not particularly convenient to here but I'll be driving back there soon. Fresh, higher quality ingredients and a menu with some delicious deviations from the norm are the primary reasons why.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/11/abuelas_mexican_bar_and_grill.html

1892 East (vegetarian lunch menu)
720 Pratt Avenue 
256-489-1242 
1892east.com 
Lunch: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Dinner: Monday - Saturday 5 - 10 p.m. 
Brunch: Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Recommendations: Mushroom Pot Pie, Portobello "Burger," Crispy Tofu Sandwich.
Price range: Most items $9 - $12.

My cheeseburger at 1892 East was juicy, plenty, rich, savory, tender ... and completely meatless. The Portobello "Burger" ($10) is served on a soft, bakery-style roll, the Portobello Burger was ideally grilled. Balsamic aioli imparted bright notes while Wright Dairy white cheddar cheese contributed lush texture. The green leafy lettuce, onion slices and ultra-ripe tomatoes served with all the sandwiches we ordered upped the ante, as did the abundant and crunchy fresh-cut fries.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/02/1892_easts_vegetarian_menu_cho.html

5 A's Restaurant 
6297 Highway 53 
256-852-8089 
5asrestaurant.com
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
Recommendations: Feisty Feta Spread, Chicken Kabob Plate, Kataifi, Vegetarian Plate. 
Price range: Most items $5 - $10.

Just because food is served on a Styrofoam plate doesn't mean it can't look and taste phenomenal. Witness the Chicken Kabob Plate ($7.99) at 5 A's Restaurant, a two-year-old-plus Greek eatery in Harvest. Tender, juicy chunks of chicken breast, crisp lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, soft pita triangles plated attractively atop perfectly cooked, long-grain basmati rice. This entrée really delivered some subtle-yet-zesty flavors while retaining a relatively healthy vibe. The accompanying, on-the-side tzatziki sauce offered cucumber coolness, garlic zip and clean creaminess, and the hummus boasted lothario levels of smoothness and earthiness.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/03/5_as_restaurant_greek_eatery_i.html

The Bottle (lunch menu)
101 Washington St. N.E. 
256-704-5555 
facebook.com/TheBottleHuntsville
Lunch: Monday- Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 4 - 11 p.m. 
Recommendations: Apple and Blackberry Mixed Green Salad, Pan Fried Trout, Seared Ahi Tuna Nicoise Bowl. 
Price range: Entrees $13 - $16.

The skin-up plating of trout always looks a little crazy to me, but you cannot argue with the flavor. The Bottle's Pan Fried Trout ($16) possessed - snow-soft texture, flaky, hints of buttery sweetness. It started off tasting good and got better with each bite. And there were lots of bites. Generous portion. The accompanying lemon meuniere sauce - dotted with a constellation of capers - evoked earthy notes, and whenever I bit into a caper, it added an intense bright burst. The few neon-green drops of basil oil added some sweet and leafy kicks, and I found myself searching the plate for a few more dots.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/05/the_bottles_lunch_menu_is_artf.html

Brix (lunch menu)
964 Airport Road 
256-881-3396 
brixhuntsville.com 
Dinner: Monday -Thursday 4:30 - 9 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 4:30 - 10 p.m.
Lunch: Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Recommendations: Brix Salad, Chicken & Waffles. 
Price range: $9 - $15.

If you've ever been underwhelmed by chicken and waffles, try the version on Brix's lunch menu. The problem you can run into with this dichotomous dish, as prepared at soul food restaurants, is the chicken is often three or so fried wings. So the protein is skimpy and a hassle to eat with a knife and fork. Brix's Chicken & Waffles ($12.95), ordered on a recent Monday, featured a sizeable, boneless chicken tenderloin, fried juicy-crisp without being overdone or greasy.  Granted, Brix is a white-tablecloth restaurant. But this is an upscale refinement that really, really works and a fair trade for whatever "funkiness" is lost.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/01/brixs_lunch_menu_offers_surpri.html

Cotton Row Restaurant (lunch menu)
100 South Side Square 
256-382-9500 
cottonrowrestaurant.com 
Lunch: Wednesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Dinner: Monday through Saturday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. 
Recommendations: Gnocchi Spinach Soup, Pan Seared Corvina, Grilled Mahi Mahi, Chicken Pot Pie. 
Price range: Most lunch items $11 - $17.

Ever since star chef James Boyce opened Cotton Row in 2008, the downtown-square fine-dining spot has earned a reputation for transcendent food and car-payment sized tabs. While Cotton Row dinner entree prices are no joke, the restaurant's fantastic  lunch menu is much more accessible. I ordered the Grilled Mahi Mahi ($14). When the gorgeously plated Mahi was placed in front of me, it felt like I was living inside a cookbook photo. The fish couldn't have been cooked better. Super, tender flaky interior, and a slightly-crispy exterior which was subtly salt and herb seasoned. The fish was served atop sunset-soft ringlets of house-made, slightly buttery fettuccine. Wow.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/02/cotton_rows_new_lunch_menu_ite.html

Nick's Ristorante 
10300 Bailey Cove Road 
256-489-8280 
nicksristorante.com 
Monday - Saturday: 4 - 11 p.m. 
Recommendations: Veal Saltimboca, Pasta Nicky, Crab-Stuffed Portobello "Jaclyn."
Price range: Most entrees $18 - $39.

Nick's Ristorante is located in a South Huntsville strip mall, so approaching the humble exterior you might wonder, "Is this really somewhere I want to drop some big coin on dinner?" The answer is a resounding, 72-point font "YES." The Veal Saltimboca ($24) was possibly the best in a strong field of entrees we ordered. Layers of veal, prosciutto, cheese and, I believe, sage, resulted in a dish that was sophisticated and supper-comfy. Our server recommended mushroom risotto as a side, and man, was she right-on. Chunky, woodsy and a must-do side.

Read the full review here:http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/03/nicks_ristorante_where_theres.html

Source with thanks: www.topix.com/forum/city/huntsville-al/TUVS9N5FRPV1DSF00

Get all above news in Pdf File  ,click the link the following link to down

http://issuu.com/dailyricenewsletter/docs/23rd_december_2014_daily_global_ric

23rd December (Tuesday),2014 Daily Exclusive ORYZA Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

Mexico Reinstates Import Tariffs on Paddy and Rice to Increase Competitiveness of Rice Sector

Dec 22, 2014

Mexico has imposed a 9% tariff on imported paddy rice and a 20% tariff husked, long grain and other imported rice from all the countries that do not have free trade agreements (FTAs), according to USDA Post. The U.S. is exempted from the tariff because of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).The Mexican government has announced the reinstatement of tariffs in a decree that was published in the Diario Official (Mexico's Federal Register) on December 10, 2014. The decree is reported to have modified the Tariff of the General Import and Export Tax Law for the Secretariat of Economy (SE).

According to the Post, the import Law has been modified based on requests from the Mexican Rice Council (MRC) for the re-establishment of import tariffs, which were discontinued in 2008 to reduce rice prices in the country. The government has decided to reinstate import tariffs as Mexico's paddy rice production declined by about 50%, while domestic consumption has increased about 12%, according to the new decree. The decision was necessary to promote production, processing, and marketing of domestic rice and thus strengthen the overall competitiveness of Mexico’s rice industry, says USDA Post.

Mexico produces only 17% of its annual consumption needs of around 890,000 tons and imports the rest. USDA estimates Mexico to import around 775,000 tons of rice, basis milled in 2014-15 (October - September), up about 11% from an estimated 700,000 tons in 2013-14. 

Global Rice Quotes

December 22nd, 2014

Long grain white rice - high quality

Thailand 100% B grade   420-430                ↑

Vietnam 5% broken        385-395                ↔

India 5% broken               385-395                ↔

Pakistan 5% broken        370-380                ↔

Cambodia 5% broken     460-470                ↔

U.S. 4% broken                 510-520                ↔

Uruguay 5% broken        595-605                ↔

Argentina 5% broken     595-605                ↔

Long grain white rice - low quality

Thailand 25% broken      NQ         ↔

Vietnam 25% broken      350-360                ↔

Pakistan 25% broken      330-340                ↔

Cambodia 25% broken   435-445                ↔

India 25% broken             350-360                ↔

U.S. 15% broken               495-505                ↔

Long grain parboiled rice

Thailand parboiled 100% stxd     405-415                ↑

Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd          395-405                ↔

India parboiled 5% broken stxd                 375-385                ↔

U.S. parboiled 4% broken             580-590                ↔

Brazil parboiled 5% broken          570-580                ↔

Uruguay parboiled 5% broken    NQ         ↔

Long grain fragrant rice

Thailand Hommali 92%   890-900                ↔

Vietnam Jasmine             525-535                ↑

India basmati 2% broken              NQ         ↔

Pakistan basmati 2% broken       NQ         ↔

Cambodia Phka Mails     820-830                ↔

Brokens

Thailand A1 Super            330-340                ↔

Vietnam 100% broken   330-340                ↔

Pakistan 100% broken stxd          300-310                ↔

Cambodia A1 Super        385-395                ↔

India 100% broken stxd                 300-310                ↔

Egypt medium grain brokens      NQ         ↔

U.S. pet food     390-400                ↔

Brazil half grain NQ         ↔

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

Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap - Little Enthusiasm to Trade During Holiday Week; U.S. Offers 105K MT for IGB Tender

Dec 22, 2014

The U.S. cash market was extremely quiet today as neither buyer nor seller showed any enthusiasm to trade.Analysts insist that those who need rice for immediate shipment have likely already covered their needs through the end of the year and those that have needed to sell before the end of the year have also likely done so.Meanwhile, U.S. exporters offered 105,000 MT of LG milled rice at more competitive prices than were offered from South American origins; however, offers from Thailand and Vietnam were still more attractive.It is anyone’s guess who the Iraqi Grain Board will chose to award; however, many in the industry are hopeful that they will as least buy one cargo from the U.S. which may give the market the boost that many are looking for.

Bangladesh Government Urged to Impose Import Duty on Rice

Dec 22, 2014

In the light of increasing rice imports by the private sector, a Parliamentary Standing Committee advised the Bangladesh government to curb rice imports, particularly from India, in order to protect the competitiveness of the country's rice sector, according to local sources.Based on data from the National Board of Revenue, the Committee noted that the government has been following zero-duty policy for rice imports since 2006-07 and suggested that the government should withdraw this policy to encourage rice farmers as well as the other stakeholders.

The Committee informed the Parliament that the imports have surged despite a bumper harvest from the 2014 Aman crop. Increase in cheap imports and increasing supplies from the Aman harvest have been putting a downward pressure on local prices affecting incomes of farmers and millers. Retail prices of all types of rice have registered a decline of about 1%-3.5% over the last few months. If this situation continues, farmers may be discouraged to plant for the upcoming Boro season, the Committee noted. Already, millers are restraining from milling fearing stiff competition from cheap imports, according to the Committee.

Bangladesh's private sector has imported around 448,730 tons of rice so far (July - December 18) in FY 2014-15 (July - June), compared to cumulative imports of around 374,560 tons (371,500 tons by private sector and 3,060 tons by the government) in FY 2013-14 according to local sources.

The government has so far not imported any rice in this fiscal year though it has set a target of importing around 200,000 tons of rice in the fiscal year 2014-15 to replenish falling stocks in the country, according to the Directorate of Food.Bangladesh produced around 34.36 million tons of rice in 2013-14, up about 2% from around 33.76 million tons last year, according to data from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). USDA estimates Bangladesh to produce around 34.6 million tons of milled rice and import around 500,000 tons in MY 2014-15 (July – June).  

Cambodia May Not Reach One Million Ton Rice Export Target in 2015

Dec 22, 2014

Lack of sufficient milling capacity and funding are major hurdles for Cambodia to achieve one million ton export target by 2015, according the country's Prime Minister, report local sources.Based on the current pace of rice exports so far this year, the Prime Minister noted that is unlikely for the country to meet the one million ton rice export target by 2015. He reminded that the government set the target in 2010 but had been improving the rice milling and storage facilities, which are crucial to enhance rice exports in the country.

The Prime Minister was quoted as saying that the government had failed in attracting investment in rice milling facilities. He noted that the current milling capacity is far below the production level. The government does not dare to procure more rice from farmers for export due to lack of sufficient storage facilities. Due to this, Cambodia is losing most of the export orders, he said. The PM also noted that farmers are forced to sell their paddy output to traders. Most of the rice traders are understood to sell rice informally to Vietnam and Thailand rice traders accounting for a huge amount of informal rice exports.

However, based on data from the Council Development for Cambodia (CDC), he expressed optimism that a number of approved investments in rice milling facilities are in pipeline and once completed may give Cambodia an advantage in expanding its export capacity.The President of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) also supported the PM's view regarding Cambodia's rice export target. However, he stated that the CRF has been striving to improve the country's rice infrastructure. He added that the CRF is also considering additional loans to procure rice and stock in large amounts to ensure uninterruptable supplies for exports. He said the CRF is planning to bring the export figure next year close to the target even if it

cannot meet it. The CRF is reportedly exploring new export markets for its rice to help the country reach its export target.A recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) also highlighted the need for enhancing rice milling and storage facilities to increase the competitiveness of the country's rice sector. The recently launched Cambodia's first large-scale paddy rice bank is expected to ensure uninterrupted supplies to millers and exporters. The Chinese government is also understood to have approved financial assistance of about $300 million to help Cambodia enhance its rice infrastructure such as warehouses and post-harvest facilities. Cambodia exported around 335,925 tons of rice in the first eleven months of 2014, up about 1% from around 332,009 tons exported during the same time last year, according to the Secretariat One Window Service (SOWS-REF) under the Ministry of Trade.

Pakistan Exports 459,419 Tons of Rice in November 2014; Up 58% m/m and Up 65% y/y

Dec 22, 2014

Pakistan exported around 459,419 tons of rice (including basmati and non-basmati) in November 2014, up about 58% from around 289,884 tons exported in October 2014, according to provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).  In terms of value, Pakistan's rice export earnings increased to around $221.2 million in November 2014, up about 43% from around $154.7 million earned in October 2014.

Year-on-year, Pakistan’s exports increased about 65% from around 278,425 tons exported in November 2013. In terms of value, they increased about 61% from around $137.6 million in November 2013.

Pakistan exported around 47,090 tons of basmati rice in November 2014, slightly down from around 47,459 tons exported in October 2014 and up about 88% from around 25,094 tons in November 2013. In terms of value, Pakistan's basmati rice exports earned $46.2 million in November 2014, down about 1% from around $46.8 million earned in October 2014, and up about 62% from around $28.5 million earned in November 2013.

Pakistan exported around 412,329 tons of non-basmati rice in November 2014, up about 70% from around 242,415 tons exported in October 2014 and up about 63% from around 253,331 tons in November 2013. In terms of value, Pakistan's non-basmati rice exports earned $175 million in November 2014, up about 62% from around $107.85 million earned in October 2014, and up about 61% from around $109 million earned in November 2013.

Pakistan has exported around 1.35 million tons of rice (around 239,773 tons of basmati and around 1.11 million tons of non-basmati) in the first five months of FY 2014-15 (July 2014 - June 2015), up about 16% from around 1.16 million tons exported during the same period in FY 2013-14. In terms of value, Pakistan's exports  earned around $738.66 million (around $231.27 million from basmati and around $507.39 million from non-basmati) in July - November 2014  up about 8% from around $681.86 million (around $233.18 million from basmati and around $448.68 million from non-basmati) earned during the same period in 2013.

Thailand, Vietnam Rice Sellers Increase Some of Their Quotes Today; Other Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged

Dec 22, 2014

Thailand rice sellers increased their quotes for 5% broken rice  and Parboiled rice by about $5  per ton to around $405 - $415 per ton, each today. Vietnam rice sellers increased their quotes for Jasmine rice by about $10 per ton to around $525 - $535 per ton today. Other Asia rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged.

5% Broken Rice

Thailand 5% rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton, up about $5 per ton from Friday and about $20 per ton premium on Vietnam 5% rice shown at around $385 - $395 per ton. India 5% rice is quoted at around $385 - $395 per ton, about $15 per ton premium on Pakistan 5% rice quoted at around $370 - $380 per ton.

25% Broken Rice 

Thailand 25% rice was last quoted at around $350 - $360 per ton, on par with Vietnam 25% rice shown at around $350 - $360 per ton. India 25% rice is quoted at around $350 - $360, about $20 per ton premium on Pakistan 25% rice quoted at around $330 - $340 per ton.

Parboiled Rice

Thailand parboiled rice is quoted at around $405 - $415 per ton, up about $5 per ton from Friday. India parboiled rice is quoted at around $375 - $385 per ton, about $20 per ton discount to Pakistan parboiled rice quoted at around $395 - $405 per ton.

100% Broken Rice

Thailand broken rice, A1 Super, is quoted at around $330 - $340 per ton, on par with Vietnam 100% broken rice shown at around $330 - $340 per ton. India's 100% broken rice is shown at around $300 - $310 per ton,  on par with Pakistan broken sortexed rice quoted at around $300 - $310 per ton.

Vietnam Exports 5.96 Million Tons of Rice During January 1 – December 18, 2014

Dec 22, 2014

        

Vietnam exported around 5.961 million tons of rice in January 1 - December 18, 2014, down about 11% from around 6.71 million tons of rice exported in full year of 2013, according to data from the Vietnam Food Association (VFA). Average rice export price so far in this year stands at about $439 per ton (FOB), up about 2% per ton from same time last year.

During December 1- 18, 2014, Vietnam exported around 118,642 tons of rice, down about 78% from around 540,378 tons rice exported in full month of December 2013, and down about 75% from around 484,513 tons rice exported in full month of November 2014. Average export price so far in December stands at around $459 per ton, up about 1% from a year ago, and down about 1.3% per ton from a month ago.

Thailand Approves Sale of About 250,000 Tons of Rice in Auction

Dec 22, 2014

The Thai Commerce Ministry has approved to sell around 273,295 tons of rice worth 2.22 billion baht (around $67.5 million) in today's auction to about 23 traders, according to Bloomberg. The Ministry has offered around 400,000 tons of rice, including around 330,000 tons of broken white rice, around 52,000 tons of glutinous rice and 18,100 tons of white rice, in the auction.

According to the initial result from the Department of Foreign Trade, 15% broken white rice was offered at 11,230 baht per ton (around $341.69 per ton). Bidding price for  25%-broken white rice was between10,810 - 11,330 baht per ton (around $328.91 - $344.73 per ton); bidding price for 10%-broken glutinous rice was between 13,200 - 15,100 baht per ton (around $401.63 - $459.44 per ton); and bidding price for A1 broken rice was between 6,355 - 8,350 baht per ton ($193.36 - $254.06).

Official result needs to be approved by the Chairman of the Rice Policy Management Committee. It is understood that the Ministry will ask bidders to re-submit their bids for the remaining rice offered for sale as their proposed prices were below expected. The date of the bid is not decided yet.

According to Reuters, Thailand has approved sale of around 247,000 tons of rice to 21 bidders; and according to Dow Jones report, Thailand has approved sale of around 250,000 tons for 21 bidders.

Thailand sold around 348,000 tons of rice worth 3.6 billion baht (around $81 million) in the last three auctions. The government still has around 17.8 million tons of rice in its stockpiles. Of the stockpiled rice, around 16.7 million tons of rice are fit to be sold, the Thai Prime Minister was quoted as saying on last Friday after attending a meeting of the Rice Management and Policy Committee. He told local sources that around 2.1 million tons of rice was up to standard, around 14.4 million tons would need to be re-graded and around 6.94 million tons was spoilt or has no clear origin.The Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA) President noted that Thailand's rice exports would reach around 10.2-10.5 million tons in 2014 and expressed confidence that the South East Asian nation would reclaim the world's top rice exporter this year. Thailand exported around 10.07 million tons of rice between January 1 - December 2, 2014, up about 67% over 6 million tons exported last year.

Contents are published with permission of ORYZA.com

Click the link to Download 23^rd,2014 ORYZA RICE E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

http://www.slideshare.net/MUJAHIDALI81/23rd-december2014-daily-oryza-rice-enewsletter-by-riceplus-magazine