USRPA successfully hosted another virtual event featuring eight speakers from the U.S. presenting for an audience in China this week. Over 80 attendees registered for the live event via Zoom and many have already watched the recorded seminar since.

Grace Wang, Eastern Hemisphere Programs Coordinator moderated the event and Marcela Garcia, USRPA COO welcomed the audience on behalf of the USRPA and its members and thanked them for their participation. Long time supporters of USRPA, Riviana Foods, and RiceTec presented on various products and services they offer their clients. Dwight Roberts, President & CEO of USRPA gave a very informative narrative on the current U.S. long-grain crop. Tommy Turner, Texas Rice Council President & USRPA Board Member, gave a very thorough presentation on U.S. rice production, including information on varieties and the latest in farming technology. Stuart Hoetger rounded out the evening with the latest developments of medium grain rice from California.

An important highlight of the seminar is our honored speaker, LaShonda McLeod, Director of ATO from the U.S. embassy in Beijing, who gave an overview of the US-China Phase One deal and commented that China continues to make progress towards its commitment to increase purchases of U.S. agriculture. She further commented, “Regardless of the concerns we are facing in other parts of our relationship, both China and the U.S. remain positively engaged in the trade agreement - actually, it is a bright spot in our bilateral relationship.” 

Overall, the event was a success and both attendees and speakers responded positively.  The messages of nutritious, safe and reliable qualities of U.S. rice supply was mentioned continuously. Networking and communication with our trade contacts worldwide has become critical during this special pandemic. We will continue many more virtual programs in other countries to address critical issues that are facing U.S. rice and the global rice market.    

Those who were not able to join us live are able to watch the on-demand recording with following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/u8Z7cO6orz43E9PHtgSDBvVwW43rf_2s1nIe8_VeyR3hAnRVOgavZrZDMbAsm3L1VA3OphFcJ2p9KfGt?continueMode=true

If you should have any questions, comments, or need technical assistance, please feel free to contact Veronica Galvan, Events & Technology Manager at veronica@usriceproducers.com.