Rice Market & Technology Convention
Rice Farmers: Come See For Yourselves In Houston, Texas May 31 - June 2, 2016
Once upon a time farmers could just be concerned about growing the crop and were encouraged to leave the marketing up to someone else. Yes, it’s true that weather and price are at the center of every conversation but several years ago rice farmers started taking notice of the issues, the trends and the forces that shape their market. Since 50 percent of US rice production is exported, the international rice trade is a lot more than just the frosting on the cake. U.S. rice farmers make or lose money based on world market conditions.
These subjects will be the center of conversation in Houston, Texas, May 31-June 2, 2016 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel located in the popular Galleria area of the city with a great rate of $139/night. The event is an annual conference organized by the US Rice Producers Association. Representatives of more than 140 rice related businesses from over 30 countries have already registered and more are signing up. Come and meet rice farmers and millers and all the allied rice businesses from throughout the Americas. Learn knew rice farming methods of other countries.
The program and planned activities give US rice farmers the opportunity to meet the buyers of rough and milled rice. Meeting and networking is of great value but the program is equally impressive. Here is your big chance to hear Dr. Robert Zeigler, an internationally respected plant pathologist who served many years as the director general of the largest rice research facility in the world. Listen to Rakesh Sodhia, managing director of Fortuna International Ltd from Bangkok, Thailand that markets 8 million tons of commodities per year worldwide. See what he has to say about China and India and their future impact on the US rice market. USDA Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse will address the future of agricultural politics in the US. Argentina will have a special slot on the program as Dr. Alberto Livore discusses his successful rice breeding program and Jorge Vara, Minister of Agriculture for Corrientes presents quality issues driving their export markets. Marco Antonio dos Santos, an agricultural meteorologist from Brazil will talk about world weather patterns and its impact on rice farmers. Luis Gasco, president of the Peruvian Rice Millers Association and the owner of ValleNorte Rice Milling Company will talk about Peruvian consumers’ quality demands while Jeffrey Fajardo from the Colombian Rice Millers will present on the economy and structure of the Colombian market. Both Colombia and Peru have Free Trade Agreements with the United States but present two very different situations. As a US rice farmer you need to know how and why! Don’t leave it up to someone else to represent your interest, learn for yourself!
The program continues and with so much news on Cuba, we are pleased to announce the presence of Miguel Velez Mederos, the First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy in Washington DC. who will talk about the new stage of bilateral relations between Cuba & USA and the opportunities for agri-business. Check out the website and see all the details and speakers of a great program.
And that’s not all. Mega-Dryers is hosting a one-day Post-Harvest Workshop prior to the conference while FECARROZ, the Central American Rice Federation, the largest market for long grain US rice after Mexico is having their board meeting in conjunction. More than 35 rice exhibits, a fantastic opening reception with live music and Houston Texans cheerleaders. What a place to talk about rice!
Go to www.ricemtconvention.com or call the US Rice Producers Association at 713-974-7423. And yes there are discounts for US rice farmers!!!! Don’t miss out! ∆
