Representing rice producers in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas, the USRPA is the only national rice producers’organization comprised by producers, elected by producers and representing producers in all six rice-producing states.
We invite you to browse our web site, check out the Rice Advocate and News section to learn about issues and events concerning the rice and agricultural industry.
Since 1997, the US Rice Producers Association has worked hard to:
Maintain and enhance existing rice markets, both domestic and international.
Find and develop new markets for domestic sales and export of rough, brown and milled rice.
Represent producers in legislative and governmental affairs in Washington, D.C.
Educate and inform producers and the general public about rice and rice market information.
Expand research activities to develop the rice industry
A look at what happened in the U.S. rice industry 20 years ago answers questions of why there are two rice groups.
The US Rice Producers Association is committed to the health and safety of its attendees and we will continue to follow CDC Guidance for Organizing Large Events and Gatherings. RMTC will provide attendees PPE such as masks and hand sanitizer, room layouts will be modified, and crowd limits will be enforced to adhere to the physical social distancing protocols.
Large, wide-open facilities and opportunities for outdoor gatherings make the Woodlands Resort the perfect place to meet while allowing for physical distancing.
If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact the USRPA at info@usriceproducers.com.
September 9, 2021
The Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council’s Annual Field Day, originally scheduled in-person for August 19, 2021, is now available virtually. Watch the videos below for a glimpse of this year’s program, including an introduction from new staff member Mollie Buckler, and a presentation on water resources from Professor Michael […]
August 20, 2021
Gabriel Figueroa Herrera, owner and manager of Empacadora Nor-Ver S.A. de C.V., a rice packaging and milling company located in Panuco, Tamaulipas, Mexico, visited the Texas Gulf Coast to gain a better understanding of the rice production and how farmers market their crop. Hosted by the US Rice Producers Association, […]
August 13, 2021
On Monday, 10th August, the Senate amended and passed HR 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) by a vote of 69-30. The HR 3684, as amended, provides $1.2 trillion infrastructure funding ($548B in new spending) to rebuild roads and bridges, modernize public works systems and boost broadband internet, […]
July 29, 2021
On Tuesday, July 27, the House Committee on Agriculture held a business meeting (Webcast link) to consider H.R.267, the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act. HR 267 was amended (Amendment) to broaden the bill to cover disasters in 2020 and 2021, among other things. H.R. 267 reauthorizes the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity […]
July 22, 2021
While the United States pulled out of the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” (CPATPP) agreement negotiations at the beginning of the Trump Administration, Mexico and a number of other countries did not. Among the eleven countries that signed the agreement in March of 2018, making it effective on December 30, 2018, are Vietnam and […]
July 19, 2021
PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA 19 de Julio 2021 CONTACTO: Alex Clark | Veronica Galvan+ 1 (713) 974-7423 Katy, Texas (19 de julio, 2021) – En una reunión reciente en The Woodlands, Texas, la junta directiva de US Rice Producers Association (USRPA por sus siglas en Ingles) seleccionó a Marcela García para […]
July 19, 2021
Welcomes New CEO, Marcela Garcia Katy, Texas (July 19, 2021) – At a recent meeting in The Woodlands, the Board of Directors of the US Rice Producers Association (USRPA) selected Marcela Garcia to serve as the new President & CEO, replacing Dwight Roberts who is stepping down effective August 1, […]
July 16, 2021
PORTAGEVILLE, Missouri (July 15, 2021) Dr. Justin Chlapecka has been named Rice Extension Specialist and Assistant Research Professor with the University of Missouri, effective August 1. In this new partnership between the University of Missouri and the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council, Chlapecka will lead rice agronomy research efforts, […]
July 16, 2021
President Biden issued an Executive Order on July 9, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy”. The order specified 72 actions and initiatives by numerous federal agencies aimed at promoting competition and addressing problems identified by the White House. The order touches numerous aspects of the economy – from banking to […]
June 25, 2021
Nestled in the beautiful Arkansas River Valley, some 65 miles northwest of Little Rock, is a rice farm far away from the beaten path of the traditional Arkansas Delta rice-farming region. A multi-generational family farm, Tim and Robin Ralston are carving their place in America’s rice industry as they grow, harvest […]
June 17, 2021
This week on Tuesday, June 15, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies held a hearing to discuss the F.Y. 2022 budget request for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Testimony from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack focused on ways in which USDA […]
June 17, 2021
US Rice Producers Association is proud to welcome Mollie Landers Buckler as the new Coordinator for Delta Producer Relations effective June 7th. A native of the Missouri Bootheel, Mollie’s agricultural roots run deep on both sides of her family including rice production. With a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and […]
June 11, 2021
The first post of U.S. rice on China’s top social media networks, WeChat and Weibo, went live last week. Social media platforms Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, and WeChat, with almost a billion monthly users, have become China’s top social media platforms. Implemented with USDA/FAS ATP program funding, USRPA manages official accounts […]
June 11, 2021
Waters of the U.S. On June 9, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Army (the agencies) will be announced their intent to establish a new definition of “waters of the United States.” The agencies are seeking to better protect vital water resources that support public health, environmental […]
June 3, 2021
President Joe Biden released his full budget request for fiscal 2022 which includes details on plans to ramp up spending at the Agriculture Department for climate research and agricultural adaptation. Under the current law, the 2022 request for discretionary budget authority to fund programs and operating expenses is $29.9 billion, almost […]
June 3, 2021
Nos Vemos in the Woodlands! See You in the Woodlands! Just over one month away, the Rice Market & Technology Convention continues to gain participation as the U.S.’s vaccination rollout moves forward. President Biden announced this week the administration’s goal to at least partially vaccinate 70% of U.S. adults by […]
May 27, 2021
Begining in 2020 USRPA and ARROZGUA have had to find new and innovative ways to teach Guatemala’s population how to prepare delicious and diverse dishes using U.S. rice. USA Arroz’s Digital Campaign started in April 2020 with 340 followers on its Facebook fan page and has since increased 789%! The […]
May 27, 2021
The global rice industry has lost a dear friend, Yuanlong Ping, a Chinese scientist who developed higher-yield rice varieties that helped feed people around the world passed away at the age of 90 in China on May 22, 2021. In honor of his great achievements and dedication to feeding communities […]
May 27, 2021
Representing the 27th District of Texas, Congressman Mike Cloud paid a visit to Franz Farms near Inez, Texas this week to gain a better understanding of rice farming on the gulf coast. Despite heavy rains, the weather opened up enough to visit some rice fields and have a thorough discussion of […]
May 20, 2021
On Wednesday, May 19th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of Meryl Harrell as Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and the appointment of Terry Cosby as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They will begin their positions on Monday, May 24. Meryl […]
September 9, 2021
The Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council’s Annual Field Day, originally scheduled in-person for August 19, 2021, is now available virtually. Watch the videos below for a glimpse of this year’s program, including an introduction from new staff member Mollie Buckler, and a presentation on water resources from Professor Michael […]
August 31, 2021
It’s National Rice Month! To celebrate, the US Rice Producers Association is hosting a recipe contest throughout the month of September. Submission Guidelines 1. Post your recipe photos and/or videos and tag US Rice Producers Association in your post by September 30. 2. The recipes should be prepared with American […]
July 15, 2021
For Immediate ReleaseJuly 15, 2021 CONTACT: Dwight Roberts(713) 974-7423 KATY, Texas (July 15, 2021) — Last week, the US Rice Producers Association hosted the 10th annual Rice Market and Technology Convention at The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, Texas. After going virtual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly […]
March 24, 2021
Known as the most widely attended conference in the Western Hemisphere, the Rice Market & Technology Convention is returning to the Lone Star state – Texas! After careful consideration, taking into account travel restrictions and COVID-19 precautions, the RMTC will take place July 6-8, 2021 at the Woodlands Resort & […]
USRPA’s Rice Advocate (Free Weekly Newsletter)
August 27, 2021
In This Issue:
Strong Rough Rice Export Sales with Eyes on Hurricane Ida
August 20, 2021
The global markets are in a unique position because of the homogenous pricing from nearly all origins in Asia and the Middle East. Only six months ago, nearly $150 pmt separated Viet and Indian rice, where today, Indian, Viet, Thai, and other smaller origins are all quoting rice between $385-$400 […]
August 13, 2021
The Iraq business has been dominating the news recently as there have been multiple rumors and confirmed purchases over the past six weeks. Below is a review of what’s been tallied up at this point, as there has been a substantial amount of rice purchased from the U.S., Uruguay, and […]
July 16, 2021
The cash market was largely unmoved from the previous two weeks. Price action in the cash market appears to be waiting for further crop updates. Last week the southern Delta was pummeled with unusual volumes of rain which unfortunately arrived just weeks before initiating harvest in both Texas and Louisiana. […]
June 25, 2021
Although there are a few cash bids surfacing, the cash market is still considered extremely quiet. Because the bids that are surfacing vary significantly, it appears that mills are offering more for price discovery purposes than for actual demand. Rainfall throughout much of the delta proved relentless this week as […]
June 18, 2021
Challenges abound in production for the domestic market, and for shipping logistics in the export market. For long grain in the south, non-stop rains and cloudy weather are drowning the rice crop and delaying its growth in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. On the west coast, a complete lack of rain is […]
June 11, 2021
The June WASDE report was released by the USDA this week, and there were some notably bullish factors to discuss. First, the carryover stocks of USDA’s number came in at 30.1 million cwts, 3 million cwt below the trade estimate of 33.1 million cwt. A similar revision took place last year as […]
September 9, 2021
Reconciliation rolls on! The House Agriculture Committee has scheduled a mark up to consider a proposal to satisfy theAgriculture Committee’s reconciliation instructions required by S. Con. Res. 14 on Friday, September 10th at 1:00 pm – view here. The agriculture portion of the partisan Reconciliation bill is intended to implement […]
September 9, 2021
The Missouri Rice Research & Merchandising Council’s Annual Field Day, originally scheduled in-person for August 19, 2021, is now available virtually. Watch the videos below for a glimpse of this year’s program, including an introduction from new staff member Mollie Buckler, and a presentation on water resources from Professor Michael […]
August 31, 2021
It’s National Rice Month! To celebrate, the US Rice Producers Association is hosting a recipe contest throughout the month of September. Submission Guidelines 1. Post your recipe photos and/or videos and tag US Rice Producers Association in your post by September 30. 2. The recipes should be prepared with American […]
August 27, 2021
August 27, 2021 In This Issue: Strong Rough Rice Export Sales with Eyes on Hurricane Ida RiceTec Releases Virtual Field Days Washington Update
The USRPA began monitoring the Chinese rice market in 1998-99 through the work of two experienced market analysts. With support from FAS posts, these efforts of monitoring Chinese production and consumer issues continued and led to the awarding of funds under the Emerging Markets Program to further assess the Chinese […]
USRPA staff, Texas rice producers, and USA Rice representatives participated in Sabor USA in Ciudad Cayala, Guatemala City, an activity organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote American products locally. Sabor USA was highlighted by the participation of Ambassador Luis E. Arreaga, Agricultural Counselor Todd Drennan, and Sean […]
USRPA continues with the School Nutrition Program (SNP) in Guatemala as part of the Market Expansion Strategies Campaign. The USRPA promotional teams will obtain from the appropriate agency permission to conduct training in schools, along with all information on schools necessary for program planning, including the student population of each […]
Under the Market Expansion Strategies promotions, USRPA continues its partnership with the Guatemalan Rice Association (ARROZGUA), the local rice producers and millers group, to conduct promotional campaign to make consumers aware of the benefits, both economical and nutritional, of adding rice in the diet of low-income Guatemalan consumers. The targets […]
Since the Guatemalan government implemented strict stay at home orders due to the development of COVID-19, the use of social media has increased significantly. USRPA considered it very important to continue the promotional campaign presence and started a social media campaign using social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. […]
USRPA continues the success of its partnership with the Salvadorian Rice Association (ASALBAR), the local rice millers group, to conduct a promotional campaign to address the constraint of a lack of consumer awareness of rice. Campaign messages will point out to consumers that rice is an economical source of good […]
USRPA’s ATP campaign “Rice Festival” in El Salvador. The festivals are a one-day event where a live cooking class is held at the event with Chef Jose Urias, he and his staff prepare diverse recipes from around the world and teach the attendees the benefits of US rice and how […]
Under the Market Expansion Strategies in Mexico, USRPA has partnered with the Mexican Rice Council and four of the largest rice millers that import U.S. rice to conduct the in-store cooking demonstrations. The annual per capita consumption rate for rice is about 15lbs. per year. It is one of the […]
The website www.consumearrozusa.com is maintained and updated with the establishment of keywords to boost the different activities within the campaign. USRPA opened profiles in several social media networks including Facebook and Instagram. Melisa Morelos, Professional Chef, Influencer, and Finalist of Master Chef Mexico has been in charge of creating and […]
Under the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP), USRPA and USA Rice conducted rice festivals in major cities throughout Mexico, such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Veracruz, and Merida. The festivals were two-day events where U.S. rice was showcased in different recipes from around the world. Ten tents with twenty kitchen modules […]
USRPA continues adapting its promotional programs to continue expanding the message that U.S. rice is nutritious, economical, and the perfect grain for Mexicans diet especially during this time where COVID-19 is changing everyone’s lives. On August 3rd, we will kick-off the first Virtual Rice Class in Mexico! The webinar series […]
July 30, 2020
USRPA continues adapting its promotional programs to continue expanding the message that U.S. rice is nutritious, economical, and the perfect grain for Mexicans diet especially during this time where COVID-19 is changing everyone’s lives. On August 3rd, we will kick-off the first Virtual Rice Class in Mexico! The webinar series […]
August 6, 2020
USRPA and ARROZGUA continue its success social media campaign. The interactive virtual cooking seminars, done in two stages, via Zoom has been shared on the Facebook fan page USA Arroz throughout June and July. The chefs demonstrated various rice recipes from around the world featuring U.S. grown rice, emphasizing its […]
August 21, 2020
On August 17, Roberto Wong, Executive Director of ARROZGUA was interviewed in Guatevision a Guatemalan public television operated by the National Broadcasting System, with general and educational programming, whose headquarters is in Guatemala City. Today, has a 75.5% transmit frequency at the national level. During the interview, Wong emphasized the […]
September 3, 2020
This week ended the first segment of the Master Class of American long-grain rice produced in Mexico by the US Rice Producers Association. During the first segment, Chef Melissa Morelos, MasterChef Mexico contestant, and finalist, presented various recipes from Latin America with American long-grain rice as the main ingredient. The Master […]
October 23, 2020
Harvest in Heilongjiang Province is currently underway for medium grain rice. The province is in northeast China and accounts for 6 million tons of Chinese medium grain production and is known for growing award-winning medium grain varieties, including Wuchang and Yanshou. Rice from the region is famous for its stickiness, […]
October 23, 2020
US Rice Producers Association continues its efforts to enhance American long grain rice consumption in Mexico, this time with a program intended to create a gastronomic training experience by engaging consumers with professional chefs. USRPA has been conducting cooking lessons through Facebook Live with the collaboration of Professional Chef Valeria […]
November 5, 2020
The US Rice Producers Association and USA Rice participated Sabor USA’s 2020 Virtual Healthy Fest on October 28th. The activity was organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote American products locally. USRPA and USARF have coordinated efforts to participated in previous years. This year, due to COVID-19, the […]
November 20, 2020
The 20 tons of Calrose rice that arrived in China last month garnered positive feedback among consumers and importers. The distributer, Sungiven Foods, sold the 5kg packages of U.S. rice under their private label, Sungiven US Calrose Rice, both online and in-stores. A social media page that was created to promote […]
November 20, 2020
After a long hiatus of our in-store promotions in Mexico due to COVID-19, USRPA reactivated the campaign last month. For safety precautions, adjustments were made to our process and the booths. Following the safety measures and adhering to social distancing guidelines, the promoters educate the shoppers on the benefits of […]
November 20, 2020
The first Facebook lives cooking class featuring American long-grain rice was broadcast on September 25th in a project led by the USRPA in collaboration with USDA through ATO Monterrey. Overall, eleven recipes were presented throughout the month of October. Chef Valeria Ochoa taught viewers to prepare Yakimeshi, a traditional dish […]
December 17, 2020
(Ha’erbin, China) On December 12, 2020, the Regional Rice Pavilion Longping Daohuaxiang Project – new product launch conference of Hami Group was held in Harbin. Leaders of the rice industry from various provinces and cities across China, grain industry associations, scientific research institutions, e-commerce platforms, city partners, and sales companies, as […]
December 18, 2020
This week over two days all USRPA staff participated in an international promotion planning conference with the USA Rice Federation and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. At the conference USRPA on behalf of rice farmers presented results of the organization’s 2020 efforts and its proposals for 2021 activities to promote […]
December 18, 2020
Rice Farmers Ready for 2021! Today, December 18, 2020, marks the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the US Rice Producers Association. Today it’s impossible to not think of Mr. Jack Wendt, a Texas rice farmer and former President of the US Rice Council that was based in Houston, Texas, […]
January 7, 2021
USRPA continues to ship a variety of rice samples to Chinese customers in an effort to maintain our long-standing relationship with the market. The company that recently received samples along with USRPA branded gifts posted the rice on social media, thanking USRPA for support.
January 14, 2021
USRPA and ARROZGUA’s team of chef promoters kicked off 2021 right by sharing their expertise with local importers of American rice. Essentially, our chefs are providing training to the sales and promotions teams of companies who import U.S. long-grain rice on how to prepare live demonstrations, cook long grain rice […]
USRPA Past-Chairman Thomas Wynn is a farmer, rancher, marketing analyst, and COO of M&W Farm & Ranch in Egypt, Texas. He is also a partner in Coastal Rice & Futures Inc. in East Bernard, Texas. His specialty is risk management in agricultural commodity markets. He also focuses on innovation diffusion […]
Accountant & Easter Hemisphere Promotions Director Grace Wang is responsible for processing accounts receivables, payables and payroll for USRPA, RMTC, TX Rice Council and PAC and assist with federal (USDA) grant claims, accounting and contribution records. Wang born in China, she is bilingual Chinese – English and moved to Houston […]
Member Services Trey Barker is from a 5th generation rice farming family in Texas. Barker recently graduated from Texas A&M University majoring in Agriculture Leadership Education & Development. Along with a passion for production agriculture and connecting with others in the rice and cattle industries, Barker is an avid hunter, […]
Western Hemisphere Promotions and Marketing Director Bianka Rodriguez, Wester Hemisphere Promotions and Marketing Director is responsible for managing USRPA’s Unified Export Strategy International Rice Promotion campaigns in Mexico and Central America and regularly travels to audit and review campaign activities. Rodriguez also coordinates and facilitates the logistical aspects involved with […]
Events & Technology Manager Veronica Galvan, Events & Technology Manager, is responsible for the organization’s technical and digital strategies including production of marketing materials for international and domestic initiatives. Galvan has an extensive background working with technology specific to the non-profit industry and graduated from DeVry University with a bachelor’s […]
President & CEO Marcela Garcia, President & CEO, graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Spanish and Entrepreneurship. Garcia began working with USRPA as an intern in September 2008 and joined the USRPA team in May 2009. In addition to developing […]
Senior Advisor Dwight Roberts, Senior Advisor to the US Rice Producers Association, has spent the last 30 years working in agriculturally related international activities both in the private sector and as the director for international marketing at the Texas Department of Agriculture. He also spent 10 years living and working […]
QUESTIONS / COMENTS / FEEDBACK
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
25722 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 203 • Katy, Texas 77494• Phone: 713-974-7423 • Fax: 713-974-7696
USRPA does not discriminate in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of information (such as Braille, large print, American sign language, language translation, etc.) should contact USRPA at 713-974-7423. EEO.
