Horizon Ag Sponsoring “Women In Rice” Symposium Reception At Rice Technical Working Group Conference
SCOTT MCCLURE
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
When the Rice Technical Working Group (RTWG) formally meets every other year, the topics generally focus on areas of rice research by the universities, states, federal government, and cooperating agencies.
This year’s conference, scheduled for Feb. 17-20 in New Orleans, is adding a new area of emphasis – a "Women in Rice" symposium, which Horizon Ag is proud to support as a sponsor.
“Many people don’t know that women have very important jobs in all phases of the rice industry, from leadership to scientific research and development,” says Dr. María Guadalupe Montiel, rice breeder for Horizon Ag. “This new symposium recognizes the role of women in the industry and centers on how we can work together to help women continue to be successful. It also provides an opportunity for us to inspire young women to consider careers in science in the rice industry, to join our commitment to making farmers more productive and advancing U.S. rice.”
She said the decision for the RTWG to add the “Women in Rice” symposium stemmed from discussions at the 2023 conference regarding the need for and value of adding a woman-centric event.
“I am very proud that Horizon Ag is sponsoring the reception that is scheduled to follow the "Women in Rice" symposium,” says Dr. Montiel. “Our company is a great example of how women are working in important roles in leadership, sales, research and customer support.”
Dr. Montiel joined Horizon Ag last year as the rice breeder for the company’s independent lab located at the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter Rice Research Station at Crowley, to support enhanced collaborative breeding efforts. Her goal is to work cooperatively with other researchers to develop improved varieties for southern rice-producing areas, including Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.
“As a woman working in the U.S. rice industry, I am excited and honored to be one of the presenters at this new symposium at the RTWG conference,” says Dr. Montiel. “There will be great speakers and networking, as we come together to talk about the unique challenges women may face in the workplace and the tremendous science-based opportunities for women in rice.”
The 2025 RTWG Conference will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana on Feb. 17-20. Information about Horizon Ag is available at www.Horizonseed.com. ∆
SCOTT MCCLURE: Brighton Agency