The week of June 7, USRPA Chief Operating Officer Mollie Buckler traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica for “Cooperator Day” during the USDA/FAS Western Hemisphere Regional Conference. Prior to the event, Buckler met with Antonio Martinez, who represents the four largest rice mills in Costa Rica.

Cooperator Day began with a morning of sessions and dialogue between cooperators and FAS staff from posts throughout the Western Hemisphere. Buckler served on one of the panels titled, “What do Cooperators Want Posts to Know?” The afternoon consisted of “speed dating” meetings with FAS posts. USRPA had a full schedule, meeting with staff from FAS posts in Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic. Discussions included the market of each country, upcoming event opportunities such as ATMs or trade shows, possible locations for the 2024 Rice Market & Technology Convention, and promotional activity brainstorming.

Thanks to the FAS Staff for a productive and educational event.