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, Mr. Figueroa met with numerous farmers and dryers, and paid a visit to Colorado County Rice Mill near Eagle Lake. Located in northern Veracruz, Nor-Ver is dedicated to the purchase, packaging, sale, and distribution of high quality grains and pulses, both from domestic production and imported. First operated as a packaging operation, the company started milling rice three years ago.
Mr. Figueroa was impressed with his visit and upon departing back to Mexico said, “thank you for all the attention and for addressing so many aspects of rice farming and the opportunity to know the US Rice Producers Association, and learn about your efforts in Mexico”, while adding, “you will see us doing business with American rice farmers.”
Mr. Figueroa plans to visit the Mississippi Delta and Louisiana gulf coast regions later in the fall to understand how rice is marketed along the Mississippi River and New Orleans.
Thank you to Rusty Bergstrom (Manager, El Campo Rice Coop) who gave Mr. Figueroa a good understanding of how rice is graded and marketed in Texas. 
In a field of CL153, Tommy Turner, President of the Texas Rice Council explains some of the rice crop production issues to Gabriel Figueroa, a rice miller from Panuco, Mexico. 
Marcela Garcia, President & CEO of the US Rice Producers Association, visits with Gabriel Figueroa, explaining trade servicing and promotion programs of of the USRPA. “I have learned so much this week with my visit to the rice farms and dryers and appreciate the new working relationship with the US Rice Producers Association”, stated Figueroa. 
Gabriel Figueroa from Mexico enjoyed a ride in the combine of Jason Hoelscher (right) near El Campo. Just before a great lunch of rice (DG263) with chili at the home of Tommy & Carol Turner! 
Gabriel Figueroa was impressed visiting Heath Bush and the team at Rice Belt Warehouse near El Campo and discussing the current harvest.