| US Rice Producers Association, represented by their President & CEO, Marcela Garcia, Western Hemisphere Marketing Manager, Iris Figueroa, and USRPA Board members, Dennis DeLaughter and Mark Pousson, visited Honduras this week to participate in the first EXPO Convención Internacional del Arroz organized by the Central American Rice Federation (FECARROZ) held from September 24-25, in San Pedro Sula. The event brought together students, professionals, and entrepreneurs from the Latin American rice sector who enjoyed conferences, panels, and workshops. As Diamond Sponsor of the Expo Convención Internacional del Arroz, USRPA helped kick off the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning. Aligning with its ongoing efforts to promote U.S. rice and reaffirm its longstanding commitment to supporting and partnering with FECARROZ and the Central American rice industry, USRPA invited Board Member Dennis DeLaughter, a crowd favorite, to speak on the Market Analysis and Perspective of Rice Production in the United States. Additionally, Chef Juan Carlos Bonilla showcased a variety of dishes made with U.S. rice at the USRPA booth, with his culinary creations drawing the crowd back for more throughout the event. Chef Bonilla will play a vital role in promoting U.S. rice as part of USRPA's promotional activities in Honduras. “When FECARROZ asked USRPA to support this inaugural event, it was a no-brainer,” Marcela Garcia, President and CEO of US Rice Producers Association, said. “We’ve worked with each other for more than 20 years, and when they came to us with the idea of this convention, we immediately knew we wanted to be involved.” The trip allowed the USRPA team to continue to foster trade relationships, explore market opportunities, and strengthen partnerships between U.S. rice producers and the Honduran rice industry. The team also had the opportunity to tour Baprosa’s facilities during the week-long trip at the invitation of Michel Hawit, president of the company. “As always, we are thankful for the Hawit family and their amazing hospitality throughout our time in Honduras,” Garcia said. “Our tour of their facilities in Progreso was informative, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to market U.S. rice in the region.” |
 President of FECARROZ, Kamal Dieck, officially opens the EXPO Convención Internacional del Arroz and meets with exhibitors. Left to right: Kamal Dieck, president of FECARROZ, Anabel Gallardo, president of COHEP, Laura Suazo, Minister of Agriculture of Honduras, and Marcela Garcia, President and CEO of USRPA, inaugurates the conference and does the initial walkthrough and meet with expo participants.  |
 Chef Juan Carlos Bonilla and USRPA's Iris Figueroa |  Guests gather at USRPA's booth. |
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| USRPA advocates for U.S. rice farmers by promoting their products internationally, ensuring competitive pricing, and addressing trade barriers. This visit to Honduras is part of ongoing efforts to expand market access and maintain positive trade dynamics in Latin America, which is a significant region for U.S. agricultural exports. |
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