Representative Rick Crawford (RAR)
said it best, “Rice is a
unique industry, which faces its
own set of challenges and opportunities.
With a new Farm Bill being written
next year, I wanted to gather together
representatives from other rice-producing
districts to ensure the long-term viability
of rice growing in America.”
The House Rice Caucus, co-chaired by
Rep. Crawford and Rep. Dennis Cardoza
(D-CA) is the U.S. rice industry’s latest
partner as the producers, millers, merchants
and allied industry members join
together to promote sound public policy.
This bipartisan group is currently comprised
of 18 representatives from each of
the rice-growing states.
Membership Expected To Expand
At the first meeting of the Rice Caucus
in October, Congressman Crawford
acknowledged the rice industry’s important
role in his home state of Arkansas and
the industry’s economic contributions
throughout the United States, including supporting more than 128,000 jobs. The
congressman thanked members of the rice
industry who were in attendance at the
event, as well as the USA Rice Federation.
The USA Rice Federation has worked
and will continue to work with the Rice
Caucus to help expand its membership to
ensure that rice-producing areas, as well as
areas that are home to allied industry
members, are well represented.
Educating Lawmakers A Priority
As policy decisions are being made in
Washington, congressional caucuses will
only become more important in helping
lawmakers educate their colleagues about
key issues. The USA Rice Federation
looks forward to coordinating with the
caucus on more meetings about rice industry
issues and spreading awareness of the
Rice Caucus.
As the next Farm Bill is written, the
Rice Caucus has the opportunity to play an
important role as the legislation is being
crafted. Because the members of the caucus
recognize the important role of the rice
industry in their districts, they will have
the unique opportunity to work with the
House Agriculture Committee to ensure
that rice industry priorities and policies are
addressed within the next Farm Bill.
Members of the caucus will also have
the opportunity to help address other key
issues, such as concern with harmful federal
regulations.
The USA Rice Federation looks forward
to working with the Rice Caucus as they
take the lead on many important rice
industry issues. By working together, the
Federation and the Rice Caucus have the
opportunity to educate other members of
Congress on the important economic and
environmental contributions of U.S. rice
producers, merchants, millers and other
allied industry members.
To learn more, visit www.usarice.com. |
