 |
| Left to right: Dennis DeLaughter, Texas, USRPA Board Member; Vernie Hubert, Cornerstone Government Affairs; Mark Pousson, Louisiana, USRPA Board Member; Tommy Turner, Texas, USRPA Board Member and President of the Texas Rice Council; Neil Stoesser, Texas, Chairman USRPA; Marcel Garcia, President & CEO USRPA; Alex Clark, Missouri, USRPA Board Member; Mitchell Thomas, Missouri, USRPA Board Member and Dusting Watkins, Louisiana, LIRPA President. |
| This week, Board members and staff braved the effects of Hurricane Beryl to conduct the summer board meeting of the US Rice Producers Association in Houston, Texas. State reports, DC updates, market commentaries, financials, program reviews, strategic planning, and bylaws discussions were all a part of the two-day meeting. Even when the power flickered, the commitment of those assembled never wavered. Along with being a meeting conducted, literally, within a hurricane, this meeting has historical context with the inclusion of the Louisiana Independent Rice Producers Association as an Association member. With LIRPA standing alongside the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council, and Texas Rice Council, USRPA is as strong as ever in representing U.S. rice farmers. "I am very excited and proud to welcome the Louisiana Independent Rice Producers Association (LIRPA) as a full association member of the USRPA. Having shown dedication and commitment as an associate member for years, it's wonderful to see the hard work of numerous producers recognized as we enter this new collaboration with Louisiana. The inclusion of LIRPA enhances the USRPA, and their joint leadership will play a vital role in steering our industry through research and promotion in the years ahead." Alex Clark, Missouri producer, and USRPA member. "I am so pleased to welcome the Louisiana Independent Rice Producers Association (LIRPA) to USRPA. Their alignment with our organization is perfect, and they will be a valuable asset as we progress." Dennis DeLaughter, Texas USRPA member. "For fifteen years now, we have watched a group of farmers from Southwest Louisiana strive to provide better prices for their farmers", stated Tommy Turner, President of the Texas Rice Council and USRPA Board Member. It has been amazing watching the Louisiana Independent Rice Producers Association start with only a dream and today have a rail facility, a port facility, and market millions of barrels of rice annually. USRPA is proud to have assisted them every step of the way. Their tenacity, perseverance, and grit exemplify the spirit of the US Rice Producers Association as they, and we, represent rice farmers in America. "We are thrilled to announce our full membership with USRPA. This achievement has been a long time in the making, and USRPA has been a fantastic supporter throughout our journey. We are excited for what the future holds." Dustin Watkins, Louisiana Independent Rice Producers Association (LIRPA) President and Louisiana producer. |
25722 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 203, Katy, Texas 77494
Phone: 713-974-7423
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.
