Thursday, May 25, 2017

25th May,2017 daily global,regional local rice e-newsletter by riceplus magazine


پاکستان نے 5 سال بعد چاول کی عراقی منڈی بھارت سے چھین لی

24 مئی 2017 (14:14)
کراچی (ویب ڈیسک) پاکستان نے پانچ سال بعد عراق کی چاول کی منڈی بھارت سے واپس حاصل کر لی ، رواں سال عراق کو ڈیڑھ لاکھ ٹن چاول برآمد کیا جائے گا۔ تفصیلات کے مطابق پاکستان نے پانچ سال بعد عراق کی چاول کی منڈی بھارت سے واپس لے لی، رائس ایکسپورٹ ایسوسی ایشن چیئرمین محمود مولوی نے بتایا کہ پاکستان سے عراق کو پانچ سال بعد چاول کی برآمد شروع ہو جائے گی، رواں سال دس ارب روپے کے ڈیڑھ لاکھ ٹن سے زائد چاول عراق کو بھیجا جائے گا۔ انہوں نے بتایا کہ عراق کو پاکستانی چاول کی وارئٹی پر تحفظات تھے جن کو دور کر لیا ، اب پاکستانی چاول کی مختلف ورائٹیزکو عراقی فوڈمنسٹری نے منظور کیا ہے۔ خیال رہے کہ عراق اس وقت بھارت اور یوروگوئے سے چاول خرید رہا تھا لیکن پاکستان نے ایک بار پھر عراق کی منڈی واپس لے لی ہے۔ واضح رہے کہ پاکستان دنیا میں چاول کا چوتھا بڑا برامد کنندہ ہے ، جس سے لاکھوں افراد کا روزگار وابستہ جو مسائل سے دو چار رہا ہے۔
Experts suggest increase in rice production by sustainable practices
[The Nation] 24 May, 2017
ISLAMABAD - The global rice production is likely to fall in coming years due to climate change and its impacts, so it is a high time for Pakistan to avail benefit from the upcoming demand by increasing its rice production through sustainable practices.
These views were expressed by the participants of the first Sustainable Rice Platform National Stakeholder Dialogue held here on Tuesday. They said, according to recent studies, climate change and its impacts on extreme weather and temperature swings is projected to reduce the global production of corn, wheat, rice and soybeans by 23 percent until 2050.
They said the time is ripe for us to adopt sustainable practices in the rice sector like increased organic production and efficient use of water which could help offset climate-induced losses. “Our rice exports have more than quadrupled from 1990 to 2010 but it has come with a price— depleting a quarter of our country’s non-renewable groundwater. This process spells havoc for the future if not addressed now,” they said.
The panel discussions focused on how alternative methods for growing rice should both be commercially and economically viable. The need for galvanizing an important and rapidly growing demand in the marketplace for sustainably produced products was also discussed. Unsustainable water use in rice supplier nations has the potential to ripple outward causing food crises half way across the globe. The situation demands adoption of improved practices and techniques to promote sustainable rice production and consumption in Pakistan, they said.
To truly identify sustainable production methods and move beyond statements of principles to measurable conservation results, robust, scientifically-based measures or indicators are needed to assess impacts and evaluate tradeoffs between different kinds of production systems in regard to an environmental criterion.
The objectives of the one-day workshop were to highlight sustainability challenges in the country’s rice sector at both field and policy levels. The workshop was attended by Minister of State for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb, Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Abid Javed, Ministry of National Food Security and Research along with academicians and experts from various universities of the country.
Rice is the country’s largest export crop (3.8 million Metric Tonnes per annum). The country has more than a thousand rice mills catering to the need of farmers growing 5.54 million tonnes per annum on an area of 2.5 million hectares. This important crop accounts for 6.7pc of value added in the agricultural sector, and 1.6pc of national GDP. Pakistan enjoys a strong competitive advantage in the export sector due to consumer preference in destination markets for aromatic and long grain rice.
http://www.hamariweb.com/finance/news/experts_suggest_increase_in_rice_production_by_sustainable_practices_nid2008731.aspx

Climate change will adversely hit rice roductivity, say Indian scientists

LivingIndia Science Wire
By Sunderarajan Padmanabhan
New Delhi: Global climate change is projected to have wide ranging effects on the environment and on socio-economic and related sectors. Indian agriculture scientists have found that rising temperature will adversely hit rice productivity in the country.
Experiments done in Tamil Nadu show that elevated temperature will have a negative impact on rice productivity, even nullifying the positive effects of higher level of carbon dioxide.
Researchers at the Coimbatore-based Tamil Nadu Agricultural University conducted a study on rice which is a staple food for most people in the region. According to Manila-based International Rice Research Institute, rice provides 23 percent of global human per capita energy and 16 per cent of global human per capita protein.
. Reuters
The study involved actual cultivation of the cereal in a climate control chamber (CCC) where the temperature was maintained at four degrees above the ambient temperature and a carbon dioxide enrichment level of 650 parts per million (ppm). The experiment was carried out with four different days of planting – 1 June, 15 June, 1 July and 15 July.
It was seen that crops grown under the projected conditions attained panicle initiation, flowering and maturity much earlier than those grown under the ambient condition. But, recorded reduced growth characters such as leaf area index, dry matter production and number of tillers. In addition, lesser percentage of dry matter was partitioned towards grain and more for the roots. Subsequently, they recorded lower grain and straw yields.
Overall, elevated temperature was found to have a negative impact on rice productivity, even nullifying the positive effects of higher level of carbon dioxide. The researchers have published a report on their work in the latest issue of journal Current Science.
The study was conducted by V.Geethalakshmi, K.Bhuvaneswari and A. Lakshmanan of  TNAU and N. Udaya Sekhar of  Bioforsk, Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research.

Published Date: May 25, 2017 03:47 pm | Updated Date: May 25, 2017 03:48 pm
http://www.firstpost.com/living/climate-change-will-adversely-hit-rice-productivity-say-indian-scientists-3480359.html

Basmati exporters expect higher output on good monsoon forecast
No change seen in shipment volumes; basmati output in the country is roughly 6.6 million tonnes
Virendra Singh Rawat  |  Lucknow May 24, 2017 Last Updated at 23:53 IST
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After Trump sanctions, currency crisis in Iran hits India's basmati exportsCurrency crisis in Iran hits India's basmati rice exportsBasmati sowing likely to go up 25% in FY18 on high demand, normal monsoonBasmati exporters' scrips rise on high shipment, price outlook
The forecast of a good monsoon and projected rise in basmati paddy sowing is likely to mean more earnings for its exporters in the current season, though the volume of shipments is not expected to change.

Of all paddy production, basmati accounts for about 6.6 million tonnes (mt); last year's sowing was on 1.6 mn hectares.

This year’s monsoon forecast and farmers' better realisation last year is projected to result in more sowing. That translates to a lower purchase price for processors and exporters. The volume of export is not expected to go up, due to difficult economic conditions in the key markets of the Gulf and European Union.

In 2016-17, basmati export was about four mt, with almost 80 per cent to the Gulf countries, Iran and Iraq. “Our projection is that export would remain at last year’s level; new markets have not been explored,” says Gurnam Arora, joint managing director, Kohinoor Foods, which send out 150,000 tonnes a year. The domestic basmati market is also expanding and likely to see close to five per cent growth this financial year.

“China is a big market and if we are able to market and distribute our product properly, it would expand export volumes significantly,” Arora added.

R Sundaresan, executive director, All India Rice Exporters Association, said Haryana and Punjab accounted for 40-45 per cent of total basmati production, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 10-15 per cent. In UP, sowing is likely to expand by almost 30 per cent, feels UP Rice Millers’ Association patron Sanjeev Agarwal.


WWF Pakistan holds dialogue on sustainable rice growing practices
WWF-Pakistan, in cooperation with the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), HELVETAS Swiss Inter-cooperation and Mars Food/Rice Partners Ltd, convened the first sustainable rice platform national stakeholder dialogue and workshop in Islamabad, bringing together high-level stakeholders across the spectrum to foster sustainable rice growing. The objectives of the one-day workshop was to highlight sustainability challenges in the country’s rice sector at both, field and policy levels and to develop a collaborative multi-stakeholder action plan which includes an institutional framework for all stakeholders to incentivise adoption of sustainable best practice among rice smallholders.
The workshop was attended by Minister of State for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb, Secretary of Agriculture Muhammad Abid Javed, Ministry of National Food Security and Research Saeed Ahmad Mangnejo, Secretary of Agriculture Government of Sindh James Lomax, Chairman Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) Muhammad Mahmood, Secretary of Agriculture Government of Punjab Muhammad Irfan Tariq, Director General (Environment) Ministry of Climate Change Imitiaz Ali Gopang, National Food Commissioners Dr Syed Waseem ul Haque and Director Trade Development Authority Pakistan Khalid Rasool along with academicians and experts from various universities of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General WWF-Pakistan Hammad Naqi Khan said, “The time is ripe for us to adopt sustainable practices in the rice sector like increased organic production, efficient use of water and tilling less which could help offset climate-induced losses.
“Today I feel proud to say that I’ve remained a part of WWF-Pakistan and without any bias I admit the organisation is working hard towards achieving a smart and sustainable agricultural policy, the dividends of which we shall reap in years to come,” Minister of State for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb said.
The panel discussions focused on how alternative methods for growing rice should both, be commercially and economically viable. The need for galvanizing an important and rapidly growing demand in the marketplace for sustainable produced products was also discussed.
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/05/23/wwf-pakistan-holds-dialogue-on-sustainable-rice-growing-practices/

Iraq mulls importing Pakistani rice

THE NEWSPAPER'S STAFF REPORTER
KARACHI: The Iraqi government has agreed to change its rice specification in order to enable Pakistan rice imports which have been suspeded for the past five years.
The decision was taken during a meeting in Iraq on Monday when a Pakistani delegation – led by Director General Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Rafeo Bashir Shah and accompanied by Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Mahmood Moulvi – met with Under Secretary Ministry of Trade, Republic of Iraq Walid Habib Al-Moswee.
Chairman REAP informed the Iraqi officials that Pakistani long grain rice has not been exported to Iraq for last 4-5 years due to specifications of rice varieties.
Upon this, Mr Walid assured the Pakistani delegation that rice specifications would be changed accordingly to accommodate Pakistani rice for imports to Iraq

Growers rush to finish rice planting after field work delays

Rice growers in California are scrambling to get their planting done by June 1 after winter and early spring rains made many fields too wet to work in until recently.
Capital Press
Published on May 24, 2017 8:12AM
Tim Hearden/Capital Press
A rice field near Williams, Calif., is prepared in late April for planting. Rice growers are scrambling to finish planting by June 1 after early spring rains delayed their field work.
WILLOWS, Calif. — Rice growers are scrambling to finish planting after persistent winter and early-spring rains delayed their ability to prepare their fields.
Growers face an unofficial June 1 deadline for getting their rice seed down, as planting any later would likely push harvests into the rainy season.
Rice is typically planted between mid-April and mid-May, with harvests coming six months later. But soggy fields prevented growers from working in them until recently — particularly on the west side of the Sacramento Valley, where fields were flooded by torrential rains in February.
“I’ve got a little bit left (to plant), but for the most part we’re wrapping it up,” said Charley Mathews, a Marysville area grower and a USA Rice Federation executive committee member.
“I don’t know what normal is anymore,” he said of the weather. “We didn’t get to start field work until about the 28th of April. Usually we like to start around the first week of April.”
Willows farmer Larry Maben said he’ll get all his 800 rice acres planted, but he’s aware of other area growers in low-lying areas that have struggled to get going because of wet ground.
“I’m a couple of weeks behind, but we should be fine unless we have an early fall,” Maben said.
The delays could cause a dip in overall acreage. California rice farms are expected to plant 539,000 acres this year, down slightly from the 541,000 acres planted in 2016, according to the USDA.
Rice planting rebounded last year from the 421,000 acres planted at the height of the drought in 2015, the agency reported. That year, planting was delayed because of the slow pace of water deliveries as exchange contractors along the Sacramento River agreed to shift their delivery schedules to maintain the right river temperatures for winter run salmon.
Growers with crop insurance could seek compensation for any ground they can’t get to by June 1, the California Farm Bureau Federation advises.
Among other field crops in California, according to a USDA prospective plantings report:
• Growers expect to plant 430,000 acres of corn, up from 420,000 acres planted last year.
• Cotton acreage continues to rebound after the drought stifled planting. Growers expect to plant 85,000 acres of upland cotton in 2017, up from 66,000 last year and 47,000 in 2015. In addition, growers were seeding 190,000 acres of American Pima cotton, up from 117,000 and 155,000, respectively, the last two years.
• Producers intend to harvest hay of all types from 1.1 million acres, down from 1.2 million acres last year.
• Acreage planted to winter wheat is forecast at 350,000 acres, down from 425,000 acres last year, while another 40,000 acres are planted to Durum wheat, down from 55,000 acres in 2016.
• California growers plan to plant 27,000 acres of spring potatoes and 21,000 acres of sweet potatoes, up from last year’s 26,000 and 20,000, respectively.
• Growers intend to plant 25,300 acres of sugar beets, unchanged from last year.
• Plantings of sunflowers for oil are expected to total 39,000 acres in California, down from last year’s 45,000 acres. Non-oil sunflower acres are expected to total 4,000, up from 1,600 in 2016.
Upbeat signs for Vietnamese rice exports
Encouraging signs for rice exports after a down-period have boosted the Vietnamese rice market.


According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), the country earned free-on-board (FOB) export value of more than US$701 million from shipping 1.6 million tonnes of rice to foreign countries in the first four months of the year, down 14.2% in volume and 10.6% in value from the same time last year.
However, Vietnamese rice exports recovered somewhat in April after a big slump in the first quarter. Exporters sold nearly 510 tonnes of rice abroad last month on FOB value of US$220 million, a year-on-year increase of 14.6 percent in volume and 9.75 percent in value.VFA Chairman Huynh The Nang said that the Philippines plans to import 250,000 tonnes to augment its buffer stock for lean months from July to September.Some exporters have won tenders to supply 40,000 tonnes of the grain for Malaysia. Meanwhile, 40,000 tonnes of Jasmine rice was shipped to Iraq.

Also, Bangladesh plans to buy 600,000 tonnes, including 50,000-100,000 tonnes of white rice with the remainder parboiled rice to offset crop damage caused by torrential rains.
Lam Anh Tuan, director of Thinh Phat Food Co., Ltd, predicted a bright future for rice exports. He said that the fall in Thailand’s rice inventories will help the Vietnamese and global rice trade recover.

Furthermore, Vietnamese enterprises are more competitive than their competitors as each tonne of Vietnamese rice sells for US$350-360 while Thai, Indian and Pakistani rice is purchased at more than US$390 per tonne, he added.The VFA said that drop in rice price has triggered an increase in the number of rice export contracts.
However, enterprises are unsure if the positive signs are enough to significantly boost Vietnamese rice exports, with worries of being unable to meet demand from foreign countries rife.Improving rice quality and building rice brand names will make Vietnamese rice more competitive.
VNA

Ricegrowers : 2017 Riverina Rice Harvest Video

05/23/2017 | 11:46pm EDT
The largest Riverina rice harvest in three years is almost complete, with more than 800,000 tonnes expected to be harvested - an uplift of over 240% from last year. Check out how this year's crop is performing, new varieties being trialled and some amazing drone footage of harvest.
The largest Riverina rice harvest in three years is almost complete, with more than 800,000 tonnes expected to be harvested - an uplift of over 240% from last year.
Check out how this year's crop is performing, new varieties being trialled and some amazing drone footage of harvest.
Ricegrowers Limited published this content on 24 May 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained he
http://www.4-traders.com/RICEGROWERS-LIMITED-20703509/news/Ricegrowers-2017-Riverina-Rice-Harvest-Video-24475445/

Stakeholders put heads together to foster sustainable rice production



24-May-17
EWS
PML-N also accepts funds from abroad, PTI tells SC
ISLAMABAD: WWF-Pakistan, in cooperation with the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and Mars Food/Rice Partners Ltd, convened the first Sustainable Rice Platform National Stakeholder Dialogue and Workshop in Islamabad, bringing together high-level stakeholders across the spectrum to foster sustainable rice growing.
The objectives of the one-day workshop was to highlight sustainability challenges in the country's rice sector at both field and policy levels and to develop a collaborative multi-stakeholder action plan which includes an institutional framework for all stakeholders to incentivize adoption of sustainable best practice among rice smallholders.
The workshop was attended by Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage; Muhammad Abid Javed, Secretary of Agriculture, Ministry of National Food Security and Research; Saeed Ahmad Mangnejo, Secretary of Agriculture, Government of Sindh; James Lomax, Chairman Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP); Muhammad Mahmood, Secretary of Agriculture, Government of Punjab; Muhammad Irfan Tariq, Director General (Environment) Ministry of Climate Change; Imitiaz Ali Gopang and Dr. Syed Waseem ul Haque, National Food Commissioners; and Khalid Rasool, Director Trade Development Authority Pakistan, along with academicians and experts from various universities of the country.
Rice carries significant economic importance for Pakistan; it is the nation's second most important food staple after wheat, and is the country's largest export crop (3.8 million Metric Tonnes per annum).
The country has more than a thousand rice mills catering to the need of farmers growing 5.54 million tonnes per annum on an area of 2.5 million hectares.
This important crop accounts for 6.7% of value added in the agricultural sector, and 1.6% of national GDP. Pakistan enjoys a strong competitive advantage in the export sector due to consumer preference in destination markets for aromatic and long grain rice.
Speaking on the occasion Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan, said that according to recent studies climate change, and its impacts on extreme weather and temperature swings, is projected to reduce the global production of corn, wheat, rice and soybeans by 23% until 2050.
"The time is ripe for us to adopt sustainable practices in the rice sector like increased organic production, efficient use of water and tilling less which could help offset climate-induced losses.
Whereas, our rice exports have more than quadrupled from 1990 to 2010 but it has come with a price- depleting a quarter of our country's non-renewable groundwater. This process spells havoc for the future if not addressed now."
Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information Broadcasting and National Heritage, praised WWF-Pakistan's efforts in promoting sustainable practices across the country and has played a vital role in familiarizing farming communities with basics of sustainable agriculture.
"Today I feel proud to say that I've remained a part of WWF-Pakistan and without any bias I admit the organisation is working hard towards achieving a smart and sustainable agricultural policy, the dividends of which we shall reap in years to come," she added.
The panel discussions focused on how alternative methods for growing rice should both be commercially and economically viable. The need for galvanizing an important and rapidly growing demand in the marketplace for sustainably produced products was also discussed.
Unsustainable water use in rice supplier nations has the potential to ripple outward causing food crises half way across the globe.
The situation demands adoption of improved practices and techniques to promote sustainable rice production and consumption in Pakistan.
To truly identify sustainable production methods and move beyond statements of principles to measurable conservation results, robust, scientifically-based measures or indicators are needed to assess impacts and evaluate tradeoffs between different kinds of production systems in regard to an environmental criterion.
http://dailytimes.com.pk/business/24-May-17/stakeholders-put-heads-together-to-foster-sustainable-rice-production


Tax evasion of crores unearthed in Karnal
Bogus bills, Rs 1.11 crore seized from arhtiya
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Parveen Arora
Tribune News Service
Karnal, May 24
The Income Tax Department has unearthed tax evasion of hundreds of crores of rupees by rice millers after it seized bogus sale and purchase bills. A commission agent, identified as Hitesh, allegedly provided millers with bogus bills. In return, he got one to two per cent commission.
The tax evasion came to light on Monday when a team of the department raided Hitesh’s shop in the old grain market here as part of a survey operation. Besides bogus bills, Rs 1.11 crore and several documents, including signed blank cheque books of Delhi-based bogus firms, were seized.
Now, the investigation wing of the department has taken over the survey operation. It is scrutinising documents and ascertaining the source of cash.
“Rice millers evaded VAT and mandi tax, which is 7 to 8 per cent, causin g loss to the exchequer,” said Vandana Mohite, Joint Commissioner, Income Tax, Karnal range.
“The entire operation is being conducted under the guidance of KC Jain, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, North-West Region. He has issued directions to officers of the north-west region to carry out surveys on the basis of refund and self-assessment analysis, following which the department unearthed tax evasion,” she said.
The survey operation was conducted under the supervision of Sunita Puri, Chief Commissioner, Income Tax, Panchkula, and PS Tomar, Principal Commissioner, Income Tax, Karnal.
“The Principal Commissioner has converted the survey operation into a search operation. A team of investigation wing searched the arhtiya’s shop today,” Mohite said, adding that the department would verify the bank accounts and cheques to identify persons who evaded tax. http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/tax-evasion-of-crores-unearthed-in-karnal/412275.html

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5.        IT raid expose firm siphoning funds, sleuths seize Rs 1cr from premises
IT raid expose firm siphoning funds, sleuths seize Rs 1cr from premises
TNN | Updated: May 25, 2017, 08.03 AM IST
Representative image
CHANDIGARH: Income tax department sleuths on Wednesday claimed to have laid hands on a firm allegedly involved in 'accommodation entries' to siphon off taxable amounts under the garb of sale purchase of rice to mill owners in Karnal.
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The raid, which began on Monday, continued till Wednesday evening. The firm, identified as MitraSen Rajesh Kumar of Karnal, is a broker for rice shellers and commission agents. The nexus came to light after the a team headed by joint commissioner of income tax (JCIT) Vandana Mohite raided the firm's premises at the new grain market in Karnal.


The team, which included three income tax officers, recovered a cash of Rs 1.11 crore from the premises. The investigations wing headed by a deputy director level officer too was rushed to the premises. The entire operations were closely monitored by K S Jain, principal chief commissioner of income tax, Northern Western Region, and chief commissioner of income tax, Haryana, Sunita Puri, principal commissioner, Karnal, P S Tomar supervised the field operations.


"The team had gone for a routine survey during which documents like signed blank cheque books of Delhi-based bogus parties were found from whom only bills were taken. It was detected that the proprietary concern was giving fake entries to the tune of several hundreds of crores of rupees of rice purchase and sales to different rice millers and shellers after obtaining a commission from them. This raised an eyebrow and we informed our bosses in Chandigarh,'' said Vandana.


The investigation team is on the job and accommodation entries and the number of beneficiaries will be quantified after investigation is over. With the help of accommodation entries, the beneficiary rice millers have reduced taxable income causing huge loss to the state exchequer by evading VAT and Mandi Tax, etc, Vandana added

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/it-raid-expose-firm-siphoning-funds-sleuths-seize-1cr-from-premises/articleshow/58831059.cms

 

 

Ag doing its part to help point out global trade barriers

 By Bill Tomson
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 - The Trump administration wants a complete picture of why the U.S. is running a $740 billion trade deficit in goods. That’s why the Commerce Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are working on a massive analysis, to be titled “Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits,” and asking industry representatives to help.
The U.S. agriculture sector is mostly in agreement that farm-product exports are a bright spot in international trade, but groups like the National Biodiesel Board, the USA Rice Federation, the North American Wheat Growers Association and others are doing what they can to help point out difficulties with foreign markets.
Seven of the 39 people to testify at an all-day hearing held by Commerce last week represented farmers or farm products, but written testimony is also being filed.
“U.S. food and agriculture is one of the biggest success stories for U.S. trade, one that predates the nation’s founding,” the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) said in a joint submission to Commerce and USTR. “Time and again over its rich history, U.S. agricultural producers and agribusinesses have ably demonstrated their ability to compete successfully in the global market for agricultural products ranging from raw commodities to value-added goods such as meat, dairy and biofuels.”
It’s a common sentiment in the agriculture sector, which commands an overall trade surplus, according to USDA data. The value of U.S. farm-product exports is now projected at $136 billion for fiscal 2017, compared to $114.5 billion in imports, according to the latest forecast from USDA’s Economic Research Service.
But there are problems. Global trade barriers that include everything from sanitary and phytosanitary restrictions on U.S. commodities to massive and sometimes complex domestic subsidies play a substantial role in constricting U.S. exports of wheat, corn, potatoes, soybeans, catfish, pork, shrimp and other products.
Anne Steckel, a vice president at the National Biodiesel Board, was one of the witnesses at the hearing last week. She called attention to a growing trade deficit created by Indonesia’s substantial domestic subsidies for the renewable fuel, much of which is made from soybean oil.
“Unfairly traded Indonesian imports account for a substantial proportion of imported biodiesel,” Steckel said. “Forced to compete with Indonesian producers’ dumped and subsidized prices, U.S. biodiesel producers’ financial condition has declined significantly. This has caused U.S. producers to pull back on investments to expand production capacity in what continues to be a growing market.”
While Indonesia is accused of doing significant damage to U.S. biodiesel producers and exporters, China is the center of most complaints.
The country continues to maintain substantial domestic price supports for wheat, corn and rice, distorting world markets and causing billions of dollars in losses every year for U.S. farmers and exporters. China’s subsidies – which the U.S. is challenging at the World Trade Organization – are particularly damaging to U.S. wheat farmers, who say they could be selling much more to the country if it didn’t promote overproduction.
China’s policies are also hurting U.S. rice farmers who rely heavily on exports to survive. China is the world’s largest rice producer as well as the world’s largest rice importer, but the U.S. continues to be locked out of that market.
“China’s domestic support of rice prices has distorted the internal market, with prices well above world levels,” USA Rice said in a submission to Commerce and the USTR. “The result has been a surge of imports, such that China has emerged as a major rice importer, with imports of 4.8 million tons,” the group said. “U.S. exporters have been unable to take advantage of this demand because Chinese officials refuse to sign a phytosanitary protocol with the United States covering imports of milled rice, even though the protocol was agreed to by both sides in November 2015.”
The complaints against China go far beyond domestic subsidies, non-tariff barriers and the failure to fulfill WTO quotas.
China continues to refuse to overhaul its biotech approval process, causing massive delays in the U.S. commercialization of new seed traits and threatening U.S. exports of corn, soybeans and other commodities. In recently renewed trade talk, however, China agreed to finalize the approval of eight biotech traits that had been in regulatory limbo for years.
Vietnam is another target for trade complaints. The country heavily subsidizes its rice and catfish production, and U.S. producers say the impacts are devastating.
U.S. rice has been completely pushed out of Cuba due to the low prices offered by Vietnamese exporters, who are selling subsidized grain. And U.S. catfish farmers have seen their domestic market slashed as cheaper product from thousands of miles away floods the U.S. market.
“The U.S. catfish industry has been struggling in the U.S. market due to the unrelenting flood of unfairly low-priced Vietnamese imports,” Danny Walker, CEO of the Mississippi-based Heartland Catfish Co., told Commerce and USTR in testimony. “Those imports have crippled our industry.”
Reducing imports and creating jobs are among top goals expressed by the Trump administration, which continues to spotlight overall deficits with countries like China, Mexico, Germany and Japan.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the Omnibus report – meant to “produce a comprehensive analysis of the economic realities and details of America’s trading partners” – will be completed no later than June 30.
But despite all the grievances the U.S. ag sector has with countries like China, the reality for U.S. farmers is that the U.S. exports more corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, beef, pork, sorghum, apples and potatoes than it imports.
“While we understand the need to examine the underlying causes of trade deficits to various sectors of the U.S. economy, it also remains essential that the United States continue to recognize the economic principle of comparative advantage and the benefits that two-way trade contribute to advancing U.S. and world economic well-being and global security,” the National Grain and Feed Association and the North American Export Grain Association said in testimony.
Foreigners are importing rice, destroying our business - Rice farmers protest
Rice farmers are protesting in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state - The farmers said foreigners importing rice into Nigeria are sabotaging local farmers - They vow to keep protesting until something is done about it Thousands of rice farmers under the aegis of Kebbi State Rice Farmers Association staged a peaceful protest in Birnin Kebbi to protest rice importation. The farmers marched through the streets of Birnin Kebbi carrying placards before retiring to the Government House, to lodge their complaints to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
The state chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Sahabi Augie, while delivering his speech to the governor, said the proposed importation of foreign rice into the country was not in the best interest of local farmers. Governor Bagudu who is the chairman presidential committee on rice and wheat production in Nigeria, said he would convey the farmers’ message to the president. Meanwhile, the national president of RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, in an interview with Daily Trust on Tuesday, May 24, said the protest would continue all over the country

Bangladesh to speed up rice imports in wake of flooding
May 25 Bangladesh will speed up plans to import rice that it brought in to build reserves and rein in local prices after flash floods hit domestic output, government officials said on Thursday.
As part of that, a Bangladeshi delegation is now in Vietnam to finalise imports of the staple grain in a government-to-government deal, said a procurement official, declining to be identified as he was not authorised to speak with media. He did not give further details on the transaction.
Ramped up demand from Bangladesh, the world's fourth-biggest rice producer, could underpin prices in major exporters Vietnam, Thailand and India.
"We are making frantic efforts to boost state reserves and bring down prices of rice," said the procurement official.
Local rice prices have reached record highs and state reserves are at six-year lows in the wake of flooding in April that wiped out around 700,000 tonnes of output.
The state grains buyer earlier this month said it would ship in 600,000 tonnes of rice after the flooding, initially issuing two tenders for a total of 100,000 tonnes of rice, its first such tenders since 2011.
Meanwhile, the procurement official said the government had decided not to withdraw duty on private rice imports, looking to protect farmers.
Bangladesh produces around 34 million tonnes of rice annually but uses almost all its production to feed its population of 160 million. It often requires imports, however, to cope with shortages caused by natural calamities like floods and droughts. (Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Joseph Radford)
http://in.reuters.com/article/bangladesh-rice-imports-idINL4N1IR2LK


Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- May 24, 2017

Reuters | May 24, 2017, 02.00 PM IST
Nagpur Foodgrain Prices - APMC/Open Market-May 24 Nagpur, May 24 (Reuters) - Gram and tuar prices firmed up again in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) auction on good seasonal demand from local millers amid weak supply from producing regions. Healthy hike in Madhya Pradesh gram prices and reported demand from South-based millers also boosted prices. About 1,600 bags of gram and 1,500 bags of tuar were available for auctions, according to sources. FOODGRAINS & PULSES GRAM * Desi varieties ruled steady in open market here but demand was poor. TUAR * Tuar gavarani and tuar Karnataka reported higher in open market on increased demand from local traders. Government has re-opened tuar procurement centres in the region which increased tuar prices. * Wheat mill quality and wheat Sharbati moved down in open market on poor buying support from local traders amid good supply from producing belts. * In Akola, Tuar New - 4,000-4,100, Tuar dal (clean) - 6,000-6,200, Udid Mogar (clean) - 9,000-10,000, Moong Mogar (clean) 6,800-7,200, Gram - 5,800-6,100, Gram Super best * Other varieties of wheat, rice and other commodities moved in a narrow range in scattered deals and settled at last levels in thin trading activity. Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg FOODGRAINS Available prices Previous close Gram Auction 5,200-5,510 5,100-5,450 Gram Pink Auction n.a. 2,100-2,600 Tuar Auction 3,500-5,050 3,500-5,000 Moong Auction n.a. 3,900-4,200 Udid Auction n.a. 4,300-4,500 Masoor Auction n.a. 2,600-2,800 Wheat Mill quality Auction 1,500-1,652 1,500-1,620 Gram Super Best Bold 8,200-8,500 8,200-8,500 Gram Super Best n.a. n.a. Gram Medium Best 7,600-7,900 7,600-7,900 Gram Dal Medium n.a. n.a Gram Mill Quality 5,600-5,700 5,600-5,700 Desi gram Raw 6,350-6,550 6,350-6,550 Gram Yellow 8,000-8,200 8,000-8,200 Gram Kabuli 12,300-13,400 12,300-13,400 Tuar Fataka Best-New 6,200-6,400 6,200-6,400 Tuar Fataka Medium-New 5,800-6,000 5,800-6,000 Tuar Dal Best Phod-New 5,700-6,000 5,700-6,000 Tuar Dal Medium phod-New 5,000-5,500 5,000-5,500 Tuar Gavarani New 4,200-4,300 4,100-4,200 Tuar Karnataka 4,300-4,400 4,200-4,300 Masoor dal best 5,500-5,700 5,500-5,700 Masoor dal medium 5,200-5,400 5,200-5,400 Masoor n.a. n.a. Moong Mogar bold (New) 7,000-7,500 7,000-7,500 Moong Mogar Medium 6,500-6,800 6,500-6,800 Moong dal Chilka 5,500-6,300 5,500-6,300 Moong Mill quality n.a. n.a. Moong Chamki best 7,000-8,000 7,000-8,000 Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 10,000-11,000 10,000-11,000 Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG) 8,000-9,000 8,000-9,000 Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) 5,800-6,200 5,800-6,200 Batri dal (100 INR/KG) 5,500-5,600 5,500-5,700 Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg) 3,300-3,500 3,300-3,500 Watana Dal (100 INR/KG) 2,900-3,000 2,900-3,000 Watana White (100 INR/KG) 3,400-3,600 3,400-3,600 Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG) 4,000-4,500 4,000-4,500 Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG) 1,950-2,050 1,950-2,050 Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG) 1,650-1,750 1,750-1,850 Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG) 2,150-2,350 2,150-2,350 Wheat Lokwan new (100 INR/KG) 1,850-2,050 1,850-2,050 Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG) 2,200-2,350 2,200-2,350 Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 2,000-2,150 2,000-2,150 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG) n.a. n.a. MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,400 3,300-3,600 MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) 2,300-2,800 2,600-2,800 Rice BPT new (100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,400 3,100-3,400 Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG) 3,500-4,000 3,500-4,000 Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG) 3,000-3,200 3,000-3,200 Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG) 2,500-2,800 2,500-2,800 Rice Swarna new (100 INR/KG) 2,300-2,450 2,300-2,450 Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG) 2,600-2,800 2,600-2,800 Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG) 2,400-2,500 2,400-2,500 Rice HMT New (100 INR/KG) 3,600-4,000 3,600-4,000 Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG) 4,500-4,800 4,500-4,800 Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG) 4,000-4,200 4,000-4,200 Rice Shriram New(100 INR/KG) 4,650-4,850 4,650-4,850 Rice Shriram best 100 INR/KG) 6,800-7,000 6,800-7,000 Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG) 6,300-6,500 6,300-6,500 Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 11,000-15,000 11,000-15,000 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG) 6,500-8,000 6,500-8,000 Rice Chinnor New(100 INR/KG) 4,600-4,800 4,600-4,800 Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG) 5,800-6,300 5,800-6,300 Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG) 5,400-5,600 5,100-5,300 Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,200 1,900-2,200 Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG) 1,800-1,900 1,800-1,900 WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 44.7 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 28.0 degree Celsius Rainfall : Nil FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 45 and 29 degree Celsius respectively. Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, but included in market prices)


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/nagpur-foodgrain-prices-open-may-24-2017/articleshow/58821985.cms


Vietnam, Bangladesh extend rice trade deal
24.05.2017
| UkrAgroConsult
Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh and Bangladeshi Minister of Food Advocate Md Quamrul Islam have signed a document extending the two countries’ memorandum of understanding (MoU) on rice trade that will allow Vietnam to sell up to 1 million tonnes of rice to Bangladesh each year.Vietnam, Bangladesh extend rice trade deal, vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news

The MoU, inked on May 23 in Hanoi during the Bangladeshi official’s visit, will last five years to 2022. The provision of rice will depend on Bangladesh’s yearly demand.It took Vietnam and Bangladesh only two weeks to discuss and reach the deal.Right after sealing the deal, the Bangladeshi side wanted to buy 250,000-300,000 tonnes of 5-percent broken rice immediately and a total of 500,000 tonnes by the end of 2017.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Anh spoke highly of Minister Quamrul Islam’s visit, expressing his hope that it will help connect businesses and strengthen bilateral partnership and friendship between the two countries.The MoU was signed for the first time on April 18, 2011 in Hanoi and expired on December 31, 2013. On January 2, 2014, the two sides re-signed the deal that was valid until December 31, 2016.

In 2011 and 2012, Vietnam shipped over 300,000 tonnes of rice to Bangladesh. As Bangladesh was then able to produce enough rice, it ceased the import of Vietnamese rice.However, in two recent years, Bangladesh faced consecutive natural disasters that have affected its crops and resulted in a shortage of rice for domestic consumption.On the day, Minister Tran Tuan Anh and Minister Quamrul Islam also discussed measures to enhance their coordination in the future to improve bilateral economic, trade and industrial cooperation, especially in the trading of rice.

Việt Nam to supply up to 1 million tonnes of rice to Bangladesh a year


Rice bags loaded for export at a Kiên Giang Import-Export Co factory in Kiên Giang Province. - VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đạt HA NOI — Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade (MoIT) Trần Tuấn Anh and Bangladeshi Minister of Food Advocate Qamrul Islam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the extension of rice trading in Hà Nội on Tuesday.
The memorandum came as part of Bangladeshi minister’s May 22-25 visit at Anh’s invitation.
Under the MoU--which will be extended till 2022--Việt Nam will supply up to one million tonnes of rice to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh announced its expectation to buy around 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of 5 per cent broken milled white rice from Việt Nam after the signing. The amount could be increased to 500,000 tonnes this year. In addition, Bangladesh invited Vietnamese official rice suppliers to their country for negotiations of prices, amount and transaction methods.
Việt Nam Southern Food Corporation will implement the export contracts.
The MoU on rice trading between the two countries was signed for the first time on April 18th 2011 and had been extended once in 2014 till the end of 2016.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Anh said Việt Nam always highly valued its traditional and friendly co-operation with Bangladesh.
The two countries have exchanged several high ranking delegations and businesses for trade promotion and business opportunities.
The two sides have signed many important agreements on economic, trade and investment co-operation. In this way, they’ve been a force for sustainable development in recent years, according to the minister.
Last year, the two-way trade between the two countries reached $608 million, posting a 3.1 per cent year-on-year increase.
However, the trade exchange has not reached its potential. The two countries could further enhance trade co-operation. In addition, Việt Nam and Bangladesh have potential in industrial co-operation, especially in agricultural machinery manufacturing in Bangladesh.
In the context of the difficult consumption market, the MoIT has promoted activities to search for export markets of local products, especially agricultural products. The ministry has sought the signing of a MoU to facilitate exported products.
In addition to traditional markets, the ministry has focused on new markets with big potential, large population, high rice consumption and stable purchasing power. The MoU was negotiated in around 2 weeks.
Bangladesh is a market with more than 170 million people and high rice consumption. The country’s rice supply is modest, and it often faces disaster. — VNS

http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/377000/viet-nam-to-supply-up-to-1-million-tonnes-of-rice-to-bangladesh-a-year.html#LFXzCR7tSWrpxCkS.99
Vietnam to Sell Bangladesh 1 Million Tons of Rice Annually

Hanoi. Vietnam will sell 1 million tons of various types of rice to Bangladesh annually between 2017-2022 as part of a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries on Tuesday (23/05), Vietnam's Trade Ministry said.
Bangladesh, facing a rice shortage due to natural disasters and crop failures, wants to buy around 250,000 to 300,000 tons of Vietnam's 5-percent white rice immediately and plans to increase rice imports from Vietnam to 500,000 tons by end-2017, the ministry said in a statement.



Uncertainty about U.S. long grain rice acreage supportive of prices

Domestic and global rice fundamentals remain bearish while U.S. acreage decrease may help firm near-term prices.
Bobby Coats | May 23, 2017
Note: For the latest information, please see the accompanying Rice Outlook Slide Show, U.S. and World, May 22, 2017
Presently, I am cautiously bullish on U.S. long grain rice prices.  The U.S. and global long grain rice market is a highly complex and a challenging marketplace, due to the extreme importance of the rice food grain in feeding the world’s population.Rice is one of the most protected food grains in country after country around the world, as countries limit U.S. market access and competition. Most countries’ rice food security concerns will take priority over trade agreements.  
Some key factors impacting global long grain rice trade and long grain rice prices are:
·         Bearish 2016-2017 domestic and global rice fundamentals
·         Global geopolitical challenges, uncertainties and food security issues
·         The currently supportive price impact of excessive rain, flooding, etc. on U.S. 2017 acreage, yield, production and quality
·         2017-18 global production is expected to exceed consumption, and currently there is no expectation of a major disruptive weather event to change that outlook
·         Uncertainty about U.S. and global fiscal, monetary, trade and regulatory policy initiatives near term impact on reflating sluggish domestic and global growth. This has allowed global deflationary forces strong continued negative influence on the aggregate commodity sector.
2017/18 World Rice Supply and Demand
World Rice-Cliff Note Version
·         World rice acreage at 161.8 million hectares is the highest on record
·         World rice yield at 4.4 metric tons per hectare is consistent with previous four periods
·         World rice rough production at 717.8 million metric tons is the 2nd highest on record
·         World rice milled production at 481.3 million metric tons is the 2nd highest on record
·         World trade at 42.2 million metric tons is 3rd highest on record and, in-part, reflects global uncertainties
·         World rice total use at 480.1 million metric tons is the highest on record
·         World rice ending stocks at 119.8 million metric tons is the highest since 2001-02
·         2017/18 world rice production of481.3 million tons is forecast to exceed 2017-18 total use of480.1 million tons by 1.2 million tons
Long Grain Rice Supply and Demand -- Cliff Note Version:
USDA’s June 30, 2017 Acreage Report will provide an estimate that more nearly reflects current weather and flooding impacts.
·         2017 long grain rice planted acres estimated at 1,909,000 acres 21 percent below 2016
·         5-year average 2,044,400 acres
·         10-year average 2,150,600 acres
·         15-year average 2,229,267 acres
·         2017-18 long grain rice beginning stocks at 28.7 million cwt.
·         Previous 5-year average was 22 million cwt.
·         Previous 10-year average was 24 million cwt.
·         2017-18 long grain rice production is estimated at 142 million cwt.
·         15 percent below 2016-17
·         5-year average 148 million cwt.
·         10-year average 149 million cwt.
·         2017-18 long grain rice total supply is estimated at 191.7 million cwt.
·         9-percent below 2016-17
·         5-year average 190 million cwt.
·         10-year average 191 million cwt.
·         2017-18 long grain rice domestic and residual use is estimated at 95 million cwt,
·         6th largest on record
·         5-year average 95 million cwt.
·         10-year average 94.5 million cwt.
·         2017-18 long grain rice total exports is estimated at 76 million cwt,
·         3 million cwt. below last year
·         5-year average 72
·         10-year average 73
·         2017-18 long grain rice total use is estimated at 171 million cwt.
·         10 million cwt below 2016-17
·         5-year average 167 million cwt.
·         10-year average 167 million cwt.
·         2017-18 long grain rice ending stocks are estimated at 20.7 million cwt.
·         28-percent below 2016-17
·         5-year average 23 million cwt.
·         10-year average 24 million cwt.
NASS Prospective Planting
1.      S. - Cliff Note Version
As previously stated USDA’s June 30, 2017 Acreage Report will provide an estimate that more nearly reflects current weather and flooding impacts.
·         2017 Arkansas long grain rice planted acres estimated at 1,050,000 acres, 25.5 percent below 2016, 5-year average 1,150,000, 10-year average 1,202,000, 15-year average 1,250,000 acres
·         2017 California long grain rice planted acres estimated at 9,000 acres the same as 2016, 5-year average 7,000, 10-year average 6,800, 15-year average 7,067 acres
·         2017 Louisiana long grain rice planted acres estimated at 375,000 acres, 9.2 percent below 2016, 5-year average 387,000, 10-year average 405,500, 15-year average 415,467 acres
·         2017 Mississippi long grain rice planted acres estimated at 375,000 acres, 9.2 percent below 2016, 5-year average 156,000, 10-year average 185,000, 15-year average 197,667 acres
·         2017 Missouri long grain rice planted acres estimated at 200,000 acres, 13 percent below 2016, 5-year average 194,400, 10-year average 193,200, 15-year average 197,667 acres
·         2017 Texas long grain rice planted acres estimated at 155,000 acres, 16.2 percent below 2016, 5-year average 150,000, 10-year average 158100, 15-year average 165,000 acres
·         2017 United States long grain rice planted acres estimated at 1,909,000 acres, 21 percent below 2016, 5-year average 2,044,400, 10-year average 2,150,600, 15-year average 2,229,267 acres
Rice Webinar
Date and Time: May 25, 2017 2:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)  
Host: Dr. Bobby Coats
Producer: Mary Poling          
·         Topic: S. Rice Supplies Expected to Tighten in 2017-18; U.S. Prices Projected Higher (45 minutes)
Presenter: Dr. Nathan Childs, Agricultural Economist with USDA’s Economic Research Service
Description: This webinar will focus on USDA’s projections for the 2017-18 U.S. and global rice markets. The main themes: A 10-percent decline in U.S. rice production is expected to reduce U.S. rice supplies 7 percent in 2017/18. Tighter supplies and higher projected prices are behind expectations of smaller domestic use and U.S. exports in 2017-18. In the global market, production is expected to again exceed use, with global ending stocks in 2017-18 projected to increase to the highest level since 2001-02.
·         Topic: Arkansas Rice Production Update –
Presenter: Dr. Jarrod Hardke, Associate Professor and State Rice Extension Agronomist, Crop, Soil & Environmental Science Department, University of Arkansas System-Division of Agriculture
Conclusion:
Please view accompanying Rice Slide Show.
As far as 2017 U.S. long grain rice acreage is concerned and its impact on the U.S. long grain rice balance sheet now we wait on USDA NASS’s June 30 acreage report.
Present uncertainties about U.S. and global fiscal, monetary, trade and regulatory policy initiatives near term impact on reflating sluggish domestic and global growth allows global deflationary forces to remain problematic for the commodity sector. Watch the commodity sector in general and the grain sector specifically for signs of supportive price behavior related to government and Central Bank intervention.
The U.S. rice farmer needs additional demand from outside the Western Hemisphere.
Consider: Given the weakness of global rice prices, then 2017 U.S. long grain rice acreage needs to be adequate to maintain rice infrastructure and not encourage expanded long grain rice imports.   
Be sure to join us Thursday May 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. for our Rice Webinar over the internet or join by phone.
Webinar Registration Link:
1.      Bobby Coats is a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas System. E-mail: recoats@uark.edu.
Hybrid rice harvest in Arkansas in 2016. Fewer acres of the hybrids will be available in 2017
http://gulfnews.com/guides/life/ramadan/iftars/130-uae-iftars-this-ramadan-2017-1.1520406

The rice industry is furious at the existence of “cauliflower rice”

Cauliflower just got dragged. (Reuters/Nguyen Huy Kham)
WRITTEN BY Chase Purdy
May 23, 2017
The fight over the US government’s definitions for certain foods has flared up again. It’s no longer just a fight for milk farmers, who’ve grown increasingly angry about plant-based food companies (think soy, almond, and cashews) calling their liquid products “milk.”
For the first time, vegetables are being roped into the debate—all because of the arrival and popularization of “cauliflower rice.”
“Only rice is rice, and calling ‘riced vegetables’ ‘rice,’ is misleading and confusing to consumers,” Betsy Ward, president of industry lobby USA Rice, said in a statement earlier this month. “We may be asking the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies to look at this.” Ward added that Scott Gottlieb, the new Trump-appointed FDA commissioner, could use his power to enforce the agency’s existing definitions for food, the so-called “standards of identity.”
Cauliflower by the truckload. (Reuters/Khaled Abdullah)
Only recently did cauliflower rice appear in the freezer section of the grocery store—and in close proximity to frozen rice and vegetable packages, Michael Klein, a spokesman for the rice lobby, told Quartz. Klein adds that one company, Green Giant Fresh, used a “Move over, rice” marketing campaign.
But the cauliflower side isn’t worried. “Using the FDA to combat merchandising efforts? That’s a story they’re telling their retail partners,” said Gina Nucci of the California-based produce company, Mann Packing, which sells cauliflower products. “Every section of the grocery store is fighting for the same food dollar. Same share of stomach. Consumers are smart. I don’t think anyone is going to mistake regular rice for a riced cauliflower product, frozen or fresh.”
She says consumers are on the lookout for rice alternatives because there’s a demand for ready-to-eat products that take less time to prepare than whole-head cauliflower rice.
Still, this isn’t a clean case for the rice lobby, which now finds itself in the unenviable position of appearing to speak out of both sides of its mouth. While the industry group frets over shredded cauliflower, some of its members benefit from relaxed enforcement of standards of identity. Rice milk and yogurt can be found at nearly all major supermarket retailers, including Costco and Whole Foods 365 brand. Yet greater enforcement of the FDA’s standards of identity would likely give those rice products companies trouble.
For its part, the rice lobby says the goal should be to avoid confusing consumers—but it does not want to be the arbiter of deciding whether consumers are confused when they see rice milk on the shelves of the dairy section. (The dairy industry has been vocal about this matter: “Milk is a product that comes from cows,” it contended (pdf) in February.)
“Just as with milk, no one owns the word ‘rice,'” said Michele Simon, executive director of the Plant Based Foods Association. To date, in at least two US lawsuits (one against Whitewave Foods Company in 2013 and the other against Trader Joe’s Company in 2015) judges have dismissed cases in which plaintiffs sought to have companies stop using the word “milk” when marketing soy milk.
“As long as consumers are not confused,” Simon added, “I doubt USA Rice will get very far with FDA.”
The Good Food Institute earlier this year submitted to the government a request that it clarify how foods can be named. “This is what’s so frustrating about this issue,” Joanna Grossman, a lobbyist for the group, told Quartz. “Everybody wants to pick and choose what should come under greater enforcement and, in my mind, there’s a broader problem. So many of these definitions haven’t caught up with the times. We’re operating in a sphere where some of these definitions are
https://qz.com/

Conservation Programs Take a Hit in Trump Budget 


WASHINGTON, DC -- President Trump's $4.1 trillion budget has received a rough reception from the agriculture community since it appears to gut programs important to his core ag-based constituency and leans disproportionately heavily on agriculture to find "savings."  As the onion is further peeled, more draconian cuts to conservation programs are coming to light. 

For Fiscal Year 2018, the budget proposes $766 million for Conservation Operations, the account that funds conservation planning and technical assistance.  That is nearly $100 million less than FY17 and significantly below historic norms for the program. 

In addition, the budget proposes cuts to FY18 mandatory farm bill conservation programs (CHIMPs) which include an authorized level of $1.4 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - a $350 million cut from what was authorized in the Farm Bill.

The budget proposal also has legislative proposals that would cut more than $5 billion over ten years in a "conservation streamlining initiative."  The budget certainly picks winner and losers with EQIP receiving a $250 million bump and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) getting a $450 million annual increase.  The losers are the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) - no new sign ups; the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) - eliminated; and a few cuts to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  In addition, there is a new Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for conservation programs of $500,000 down from the current $900,000. 

"While the proposed increase in funding for EQIP is warranted, the proposal appears to pay for the increase by scaling CSP down and eliminating RCPP, both of which are important programs for rice production and the habitat rice farms provide for migrating waterfowl," said Louisiana rice farmer Jeff Durand, who also co-chairs the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership.

"The Administration says they are attempting to better target conservation funding, but what they're really doing is arbitrarily gutting programs that work - for both the environment - specifically for wildlife habitat and water quality - and for growers who are facing staggeringly tough times and use these programs to pursue sustainability goals," said Ben Mosely, USA Rice vice president of government affairs.