26th november,2014 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine www.ricepluss.com Vol 4,Issue XI

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter

26th November, 2014

Today’s News Headlines…                      

Vietnam Exports Rice Worth US$2.5 Billion B50bn govt bond issue to help pay rice debt Reversal of levy rice procurement policy irks AP millers Finance Ministry issues bonds to restructure rice mortgage scheme debts Thailand to lose share of China market under AFTA, survey suggests Bangladesh farmers turn back the clock to combat climate stresses Philippines keen to import rice from Bangladesh USA Rice Weights in on Trade Barriers Agricultural Prices Received for the Month of November CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures Holiday Rice My Recipes World’s Best Rice' Title Could Boost Cambodian Rice Exports CIDRAP: Ebola overview Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Arkansas Rice Depot Consumer Reports Issues New Consumption Guidelines Based On Analysis of Arsenic Levels in Rice Products & Other Grains French ambassador assures REF of assistance Zinc enriched paddy harvest in Sylhet Reversal of levy rice procurement policy irks AP millers Filipino Farmers Protest Government Research on Genetically Modified Rice SunRice closes Coleambally mill Arkansas County Extension Service hosts farm bill workshop

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine News Detail‌.

Vietnam Exports Rice Worth US$2.5 Billion HANOI, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Vietnam exported 5.55 million tonnes of rice worth US$2.56 billion in the first 11 months of 2014, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) news website ndh.vn quoted the VFA as saying that in the first 20 days of November, the nation shipped 190,000 tonnes of rice, and from the first day of this year until Nov 20, it exported 5.55 million tonnes of rice worth US$2.56 billion.

The average export price in the first 20 days of this month stood at US$474.5 per tonne, which was lower than the US$486.6 per tonne price in the same period last October.At the domestic rice market, the VFA reported that rice prices dropped sharply from November 14 to 20, by 300 VND to 450 VND per kilo to 8,450 VND per kilo for rice with five-per cent broken grains, 8,100 VND for rice with 15-per cent broken grains, and 7,700 VND for rice with 25-per cent broken grains.This year, Vietnam expects to export 6.5 to seven million tonnes of rice, worth about US$3 billion, revealed the VFA. Traditional export markets for Vietnamese rice include Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong and Cote d'Ivoire, as well as Algeria and Indonesia.The VFA has also predicted 2015 to be a tough year for

Vietnam's rice exporters in the face of fierce competition from their Thai rivals because Thailand has concentrated on recovering traditional rice markets in Africa and expanding its markets in Asia, especially the Philippines, Indonesia and China.

Source with thanks: BERNAMA

B50bn govt bond issue to help pay rice debt Published: 26 Nov 2014 Online news: General Writer: Online Reporters A 50-billionbaht government bond issue was floated through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) on Wednesday to help cover the losses occurred from the the rice price schemes of previous governments.

Officials inspect rice stockpiled in a warehouse in Pathum Thani in July 2014. (Bangkok Post file photo) Deputy finance permanent secretary Pongpanu Svetarundra, said it was the policy of the current government to urgently solve the debt problem incurred by the rice pledging scheme of the previous government, so the Finance Ministry, the Budget Bureau and the BAAC had agreed on a bond issue.

The BAAC is the issuer, with the capital amount plus the interest to be fully

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine guaranteed by the government.The first tranche of 42 billion baht will have a maturity period of three years and 10 months, at interest of 2.75% per annum. The second tranche of eight billion baht, offering 3.01% interest, will be over seven years. The bonds are offered only to financial institutions.Accordng to Mr Pongpanu said the bond offer was warmly received by the new non-bank segment, particularly asset management firms.Kritsda Udyanin, director-general of the Public Debt Management Office, said it is the largest single bond issue ever by a state-owned enterprise.

scheme. She chaired the National Rice Policy Committee (NRPC) when she was prime minister.The National Legislative Assembly is set to consider the proposed impeachment of Ms Yingluck in connection with the controversial rice pledging scheme at a meeting on Friday.

The proportion of non-bank firm buying into the BAAC bonds had increased from 8.714.2% of total subscribers to 27.3%, which indicated the confidence in the bonds, he said.Liabilities incurred from the subsidy schemes for farm products by previous governments amount to 780 billion baht, the lion's share stemming from the rice subsidy.Of the total of 780 billion baht, 580 billion resulted from the costly rice-pledging scheme sponsored by the Yingluck Shinawatra government and the rest from preceding governments.

CH RS. SARMA

The Pheu Thai government's rice subsidy, which offered a pledging price 40-50% above market prices, has cost 878 billion baht since it was unveiled in the 2011-12 main crop, with 580 billion of debt outstanding.The rice-pledging scheme suffered a monumental setback when it failed to boost market prices as the government had promised it would.The rice scheme is also subject to a corruption investigation.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission ruled that Ms Yingluck was guilty of negligence in office for failing to stop the corruption and losses in the rice pledging

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/wn/news world.php?id=1088676

Reversal of levy rice procurement policy irks AP millers

KAKINADA, NOVEMBER 25: The kharif paddy crop is being harvested in the two Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh, which contribute the bulk of levy rice to the FCI, and the arrivals in the market will usually gather momentum from the first week of December and touch the peak by mid-January. However, this crop year a shadow has fallen across the scene as the Union Government has reversed the procurement policy.

Hitherto, till October this year, the FCI was procuring levy in the ratio of 75:25, with the millers milling and giving 75 per cent of the paddy they have bought from the farmers to the FCI as levy and selling the rest in the open market, either in the domestic market or for export purposes to other countries.

However, the ratio has now been reversed and the FCI will now take only 25 per cent as levy and the millers have to sell the rest in the open market in accordance with the new policy. The millers are not ready for the sudden policy reversal and have appealed to the State Government and the Union

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Government to change the ratio to at least 50:50.

Explaining the position of the millers, East Godavari Rice Millers‘ Association President A Ramakrishna Reddy said, ―We are not questioning the policy of the Union Government but the decision has been taken without taking into account certain market realities. The millers in the two Godavari districts have always bought paddy from the farmers at the MSP or even at a slightly higher price. It was possible because of the assured 75 per cent levy given to the FCI. Millers could buy paddy briskly from farmers but it would not be possible now, as the levy is only 25. It is not easy for the millers to find a ready market for the rest of 75 per cent and most of the millers do not have the holding capacity. Even a big miller will be put to great hardship,‖ he said.

He said it should also be borne in mind that some of the varieties grown in the Godavari districts such as Swarna are not consumed locally but given to the FCI as levy or sold in other States or countries. Therefore, it was not easy for the millers to find market for these varieties in a hurry.

AP Rice Millers‘ Association President G Venkateswara Rao said the Government should offer some relief to the millers at least in the implementation of the new policy and the millers should be allowed to sell to the FCI the fixed levy quota immediately and then buy the rest from the farmers at the MSP. Otherwise, the stocks would be stuck with the farmers.

(This article was published on November 25, 2014) http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industryand-economy/agri-biz/reversal-of-levy-riceprocurement-policy-irks-apmillers/article6633439.ece

Finance Ministry issues bonds to restructure rice mortgage scheme debts Date : 26 พฤศจิกายน 2557 BANGKOK, 26 November 2014 (NNT) – The Finance Ministry has issued bonds worth 50 billion baht, the biggest-ever bond issuance in history, in its latest move to restructure the debts incurred from the ricemortgage scheme from the previous administration.

The bonds, which are issued by Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), are divided into two categories.

The first category, which is worth 42 billion baht offers an interest rate of 2.75 percent per year. The latter, which is worth eight billion baht, offers an interest rate of 3 percent per year.

The Finance Ministry will underwrite both the capital and the interest. The government will undertake the responsibility to repay the debts along with the interest. According to the Finance Ministry, non-bank operators, particularly securities companies managing mutual funds have expressed interest in the bond investment. Aside from BAAC, the bonds are available in Krung Thai Bank, CIMB Thai Bank, Standard Chartered Thailand, and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in Bangkok.

Source with thanks: http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?N T01_NewsID=WNECO5711260010008

Thailand to lose share of China market under AFTA, survey suggests

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Petchanet Pratruangkrai The Nation November 26, 2014 1:00 am Thailand could lose Bt118 billion worth of export opportunities under the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement over the next five years (2015-2019) because of tougher competition from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, according to a study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).The study found that Thailand would lose market share and trade opportunities in rice, aquaculture products, paper, wood and products, electronics and electrical appliances, textiles, clothing, footwear, and jewellery. Products that will enjoy higher export growth are tapioca, fruits, and processed food.

"Overall trade from Asean to China will increase over the next five years, as well as exports from Thailand to China. However, Thailand's share of the China market will increase by only 0.02 percentage point, from 1.95 per cent to 1.97 per cent [by 2019], while Asean's will rise by 1 percentage point, from 10 to 11," said Aat Pisanwanich, director of the UTCC's International Trade Studies Centre.According to the study, of China's trading market value of US$250 billion (Bt8.2 trillion) this year, Asean has a share of about 10 per cent. The value of the total China market is expected to increase significantly by 2019, of which Asean's share will be 11 per cent.

Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.

However, between 2015 to 2019, Malaysia's share of Asean's total export to China will drop from 31.2 per cent to 26.3 per cent, Thailand's from 20.2 per cent to 18.2 per cent, Indonesia's from 15.5 per cent to 14.9 per cent, Singapore's from 15 per cent to 14.4 per cent. Vietnam's share, however, will grow from 6.8 per cent to 10.1 per cent, while Myanmar's will increase from 0.9 to 4.6 per cent, Laos' from 0.4 to 1.3 per cent, and Cambodia's from 0.1 to 0.2 per cent.

The Philippines and Brunei will remain unchanged at 9.8 and 0.1 per cent respectively.

Aat said Thailand would face lose a lot of China's rice market because of tougher competition from Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. Thailand's share of China's rice market will drop from 45.4 per cent this year to 27.4 per cent in 2019. For aquaculture products, its market share will drop from 32.4 per cent this year to 24.3 per cent.Its share of China's import market for electrical appliances and electronics will drop from 18.3 per cent to 12 per cent.

Aat suggested that Thai enterprises carefully study Chinese consumers' behaviour and demand in each city, establish Thai distribution centres in each major city, focus on quality products, and target export promotions directly at Chinese consumers.

Source with thanks: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Thailand-to-loseshare-of-China-market-under-AFTA--30248542.html

Asean is expected to face higher trade deficits with China as the value of its imports from that country grows faster that that of exports. It is projected that Asean could face an annual trade deficit as high as $30 billion within five years.

Bangladesh farmers turn back the clock to combat climate stresses

Currently, Malaysia is the largest exporter to China in Asean, followed by Thailand,

BY SYFUL ISLAM Wed Nov 26, 2014 7:52am EST

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine DHAKA, Bangladesh, Nov 26 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - I ndigenous varie ties of rice are making a comeback in Bangladesh as farmers abandon highyielding hybrid rice in favour of more resilient varieties that can cope with more extreme climate conditions, researchers say.About 20 percent of the rice fields planted in the low-lying South Asian nation now contain indigenous varieties that can stand up to drought, flooding or other stresses, said Jiban Krishna, director general of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute.At its peak, high yielding varieties of rice are accounted for 90 percent of total rice grown in Bangladesh.

"In places where newly invented varieties fail to cope with stresses, farmers cultivate local varieties," Krishna told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview.Bangladesh's government first introduced high-yielding rice in the 1960s, in an effort to promote food security and meet rising demand, Krishna said. Over time, most farmers adopted the new varieties, which brought in higher incomes.But in recent years, as climate change has brought more irregular rainfall including worsening floods and droughts farmers have had more difficulty producing consistent crops of high-yielding varieties.

That has led to a growing share of farmers returning to more resilient varieties capable of coping with the extreme conditions, or

planting both old and new varieties side by side.The switch back to traditional varieties has happened with the help of nongovernmental organisations that have reintroduced the varieties in an effort to protect "heritage" species and help farmers cope with adverse weather conditions , Krishna said.In C'Nababaganj district, for instance, the Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge has helped farmers return to planting varieties that had almost vanished.

'Saika' rice, for instance, ripens in just 60 days - well short of the 90 to 110 days needed by hybrid varieties used in the area and 'Sashi Mohon' needs hugely less water, said Pavel Partha, coordinator of the centre's food security programme.

CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT POLICY The government previously never promoted such varieties, considering them too lowyielding, he said. But in the face of growing climate impacts, it is now actively encouraging their cultivation as part of efforts to help farmers adapt to climate change, Partha said.Farmers say returning to the old varieties has been a big help in ensuring they get a harvest each season."Cultivation in this area is facing immense trouble due to low and irregular rainfall. Even cultivation of rain-fed Aman (rice) is now totally dependent on irrigation which raises production costs," said Hasan Ali, a farmer in Barandra village.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine "In this situation we have brought in these indigenous aromatic varieties which are tolerant to many stresses," he said.Another farmer, Anisur Rahman, said cultivation of the old varieties is expanding in part because they need almost no chemical fertiliser or pesticides - which makes them cheaper and easier to grow - and because their yields are good in tough conditions.Abdus Sattar Hiru, a farmer in Traltalia village in Tangail district agreed that the 'Afsara' traditional rice he is now cultivating has brought in consistently good crops.

"The variety (grows over a) short duration and can be cultivated once the rainy season is over and water starts receding. In that period, modern or high yielding varieties can't be cultivated but this local variety can," he said.Returning to 'Afsara' rice has also allowed him to bring back into production land previously left barren because highyielding rice varieties did not grow there, he said.

(Reporting By Syful

by Laurie Goering)

Islam;

editing

Philippines keen to import rice from Bangladesh Governor of the Southeast Asian country‘s central bank Amando M Tetangco expressed Manila‘s interest during a meeting with Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman on Tuesday.He said at the meeting, held at his official residence, ―Bangladesh is producing more rice than its demand. We need to import huge quantity of rice. We

want to import it from Bangladesh.‖The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor also expressed his country‘s interest in importing potato from Bangladesh and to promote trade with Dhaka.

Rahman said Bangladesh had attainted selfsufficiency in rice production and the government had already decided to export the staple to Sri Lanka.He said initiatives could be taken now to export rice to the Philippines as well and the two governments could begin discussion on the mater.Bangladesh Ambassador to Manila John Gomes, who was present at the meeting, said a high-level trade delegation from Bangladesh would visit the Philippines next month and may discuss on export of rice and potato then.The process to export rice to Sri Lanka has already started following a government decision.The government approved a proposal on Oct 27 to export 50,000 tonnes of rice to the South Asian nation at $450 a tonne.

USDA Ag Attache: "India Monsoon 2014 Wrap up report" www.fas.usda.gov/data/india-monsoon-2014wrap-report

USA Rice Weights in on Trade Barriers What's going on over there?

What's going on over there?

ARLINGTON, VA - Last month, USA Rice made a submission to the United States Trade Representatives (USTR) for the 2015 National Trade Estimates (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. Each year, interested parties submit comments to USTR on any issues they have had exporting goods

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine domestic support programs in Thailand and Vietnam. and services so that they may be further examined.

I n the past few years, USTR's NTE Reports have focused on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues, as well as standards-related measures.For the 2015 report, USA Rice focused its comments on import policies in the EU, Japan, and Taiwan, as well as

"Vietnam and Thailand are net exporters of rice, but the other areas we commented on are importers," said Betsy Ward, president and CEO of USA Rice. "We're estimating the trade barriers in these regions could be costing the U.S. rice industry as much as $150 million annually, so we'd very much like to see our concerns addressed."

Contact: Kristen Dayton (703) 236-1464

Agricultural Prices Received for the Month of November October 2014

Preliminary November 2014

Long Grain Rice

12.90

13.50

Long Grain Marketing

13,468

N/A

Medium and Short Grain California Price

21.30

20.80

Medium and Short Grain Mid-South Price

15.30

14.80

Medium and Short Grain Marketing

2,870

N/A

CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjusted for U.S. milling yields and location, and the resulting marketing loan-gain (MLG) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2014 crop, which became effective today at 7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). Rough rice prices decreased $0.14 per cwt for long grain and $0.15 per cwt for medium/short grain.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine MLG/LDP Rate

World Price Milled Value ($/cwt)

Rough ($/cwt)

Rough ($/cwt)

Long-Grain

17.12

10.86

0.00

Medium-/ShortGrain

16.56

11.15

0.00

Brokens

10.33

----

----

This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S. milling yields and the corresponding loan rates: U.S. Milling Yields Whole/Broken (lbs/cwt)

Loan Rate ($/cwt)

Long-Grain

55.83/12.59

6.50

Medium-/Short-Grain

62.39/7.92

6.50

The next program announcement is scheduled for December 3rd.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for November 26

Month

Price

Net Change

January 2015

$12.280

- .090

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine March 2015

$12.545

- .100

May 2015

$12.785

- .100

July 2015

$12.985

- .105

September 2015

$12.235

- .010

November 2015

$12.135

- .010

January 2016

$12.135

- .010

Source with thanks :US Rice Federation

Holiday Rice My Recipes

World’s Best Rice' Title Could

1 1/4 cups uncooked long-grain rice Click to see savings 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted Click to see savings 1 cup chopped celery Click to see savings 4 green onions, sliced Click to see savings 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can beef broth Click to see savings 1 (4-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, undrained Click to see savings 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon Beau Monde seasoning 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon

Boost Cambodian Rice Exports

Stir together first 4 ingredients in a 13- x 9inch baking dish. Stir in broth and remaining ingredients.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally

RELATED ARTICLES Robert Carmichael November 25, 2014 12:43 PM PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA— For the third year in a row, Cambodia‘s premier rice has been voted the world‘s best at the World Rice Conference.The award, which it shares this year with Thailand, comes at a time when Cambodia is looking at rice exports as a way to increase incomes for its many impoverished subsistence farmers.Although Cambodia is a minnow in the world rice stakes, producing just 1 percent of global output in 2012, the award for its fragrant romduol varietal should help promote exports.

The rice industry, though small-scale and inefficient, remains key to the economy.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Most Cambodians survive in part by growing rice on small plots. Inefficiencies mean large amounts of unmilled rice -known as paddy -- go to neighboring Thailand and Vietnam where they fetch a higher price.Sok Puthyvuth, the president of the Cambodia Rice Federation, which represents all players in the industry, said, ―We need better seeds, we need a better collection process, we need better storage, we need better logistics, and also our exports need to brand Cambodian rice to be one of the top brands in the world.‖

Higher target The target is 1 million tons of milled rice exported by 2015. So far this year Cambodia has exported about 400,000 tons -- mostly to the European Union.Deputy Prime Minister Keat Chhon said a central tenet -- to boost farmers' incomes -- remains key to government efforts to improve the industry.―I want to emphasize that the purpose of the rice policy is to reduce poverty, to ensure people in rural areas earn more, and to reduce the development gap between rural and urban areas,‖ Chhon said.To help develop the industry, China is loaning $300 million to improve warehousing.

Premium branding Yet longstanding problems remain, said exporter David Van, including the high cost of electricity and a lack of quality seedlings.Van also wants better branding for the award-winning rice, which currently is marketed as ―Cambodian Jasmine Rice.‖ He said that name is too close to Thailand‘s fragrant variety.―You need to differentiate your product from your competitor next door, otherwise you will keep on being

compared automatically to what the nextdoor competitor is offering," Van said.

"If you are talking about jasmine rice, we have a variety that has won consecutively the world‘s best rice, which is the romduol.

So maybe it is high time that we really develop a branding based on the romduol variety," he said.Challenges remain: Thailand‘s rice stockpile has driven down prices, making it harder to compete; meantime countries like Myanmar also want to increase exports.

But even if Cambodia doesn‘t reach the million-ton target next year, its awardwinning rice should appear on more plates around the world, lifting incomes for millers, exporters and its millions of impoverished farmers.

CIDRAP: Ebola overview November 25,2014

Via CIDRAP, Lisa Schnirring writes: Mali Ebola transmission chain snares two more. That's worth reading in itself, but Schnirring goes on to report several other important developments, including this one: In other news, the Ebola epidemic has boosted food prices in the three hardest-hit countries. especially in rural areas, according to a report yesterday from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Ayodele Odusola, chief economist in the UNDP's African bureau, said in a statement, "Border closures, movement restrictions and a slowdown in farming activity are shaking food markets badly." Farmers have been unable to make a living and families are seeing fluctuating prices at the markets, with those in rural and remote areas seeing the biggest drop in their purchasing power, he said.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Since the outbreak began in March, purchasing power has dropped 20% in Sierra Leone and more than 25% in Liberia, according to the report. Guinea was able to stabilize a surge in rice prices through imports. Coordinated action is needed to stabilize prices and ensure that people can buy and sell food, the UNDP said. It called for a four-part strategy that includes keeping borders open, providing safety nets such as farming subsidies and cash payments, stepping up support to help farmers prepare for the next planting season in February and March, and using fiscal policies to boost currencies and keep prices down.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Arkansas Rice Depot 2014 has been a year of many challenges in our efforts to feed the hungry. As we have shared those struggles with you, our friends and supporters, you have been quick to respond. You have given of your time, repackaging and sorting food; of your finances, writing checks and collecting funds; and of your resources, sharing your talent with us and spreading the word. So this Thanksgiving, we want to say we are thankful for you.

Thank you for giving, for sharing our message and the need in order that families, seniors and children all across our state might have something to eat—not just at Thanksgiving but throughout the year.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" - II Corinthians 9:15

Consumer Reports Issues New Consumption Guidelines Based On Analysis of Arsenic Levels in Rice Products & Other Grains Written by IVN Category: Health News Published: 24 November 2014 Washington, DC - Consumer Reports (CR) is issuing new consumption guidelines for consumers based on its latest analysis of data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its own testing for arsenic levels, particularly inorganic arsenic (IA), a carcinogen, in rice and other grains and has developed a point system to help adults and children reduce their exposure to arsenic without eliminating rice. CR also says children should rarely eat hot rice cereal or rice pasta and those under the age of 5 should not replace milk with rice drinks based on elevated arsenic levels.

The latest analysis and updated recommendations from Consumer Reports come nearly two years after the organization released its original report on arsenic in rice in 2012. These latest tests found that the IA content of rices varies greatly depending on the type and where it was grown. CR has identified better choices with much lower levels of inorganic arsenic, including white basmati rice from India, Pakistan or California and U.S. sushi rice. CR tests also found lower arsenic options for other grains such as amaranth, millet, and quinoa.The full report, ―Arsenic in Your Rice: The Latest,‖ is available online at ConsumerReports.org and in the January 2015 issue of Consumer Reports, which hits newsstands next week.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine ―We are very pleased to learn that there are lower arsenic choices when it comes to rice and alternative grains. This is great news for consumers who can now use our information to make better decisions for themselves and their families and reinforces our advice to vary your grains,‖ said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, Director of Consumer Safety and Sustainability at Consumer Reports. ―In the meantime, we continue to call on the FDA to set standards for arsenic in rice-based foods and are particularly concerned about the effects on children.‖ Consumer Reports’ Recommendations

Findings

&

Consumer Reports tested 128 samples of basmati, jasmine, and sushi rice for arsenic and combined the results with findings from its 2012 tests and data from the FDA‘s analysis of arsenic in rice for a total of 697 samples and determined that the inorganic arsenic content of rice varies greatly depending on the type of rice and where it was grown. CR also looked at IA levels in 114 samples of nonrice grains and analyzed FDA data on the IA content of 656 processed rice-containing products.

Below are some important findings based on CR‘s new analysis: 

White basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan, and sushi rice from the U.S., on average has half of the IA amount of most other types of rice. Brown rice has 80 percent more IA on average than white rice of the same type; brown basmati from California, India, or Pakistan is the best choice because it has about a third less IA than other brown rices.



All types of rice (except sushi and quick-cooking) with a label indicating that it‘s from the U.S., Arkansas, Louisiana, or Texas had the highest levels of IA in Consumer Reports‘ tests. White rices from California have 38 percent less IA than white rice from other parts of the country.



Organic rice takes up arsenic the same way conventional does, so don‘t rely on organic to have less arsenic.



Gluten-free grains, including amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and polenta (or grits) had much lower average levels of IA. Bulgur, barley, and farro, which contain gluten, also have very little arsenic.

Consumer Reports recommends that consumers vary the type of grains they eat.

Consumer Reports is the world‘s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

http://www.imperialvalleynews.com/index.php/news/health-news/249consumer-reports-issues-new-consumption-guidelines-based-on-analysis-ofarsenic-levels-in-rice-products-other-grains.html

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine French ambassador assures REF of assistance

Farmers harvesting new variety of paddy at Dakshin Surma upazila under Sylhet district.

Photo: Star

November 26, 2014 KAMOKE

France Ambassador in Pakistan Mrs Martin Dorance said that her country enjoyed historic and cordial relations with Pakistan and both countries were successfully doing business in many fields. The ambassador emphasized that there vast scope for Pakistani rice in EU market and joint venture in rice field would be beneficial for businessmen of both the countries. France Ambassador in Pakistan Mrs Martin Dorance expressed the views while talking to a delegation of Rice Exporter Forum (REF). She said that the REF would be facilitated to explore the markets of France and other EU member countries.

Mrs Dorance assured REF Vice Chairman Mian Mohsin Aziz that joint meetings of the forum with French businessmen would be organised to find ways for enhancing rice exports.Rice exporters including Mian Waqar Aziz, Mian Amir Aziz, Mian Usman Aziz, Mian Iqbal Aziz and Senator Pir Nazim Hussain Shah were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Aziz urged the Ambassador to woo French businessmen and experts to help REF in improving quality of rice and provide state of the art lab facilities.

Zinc enriched paddy harvest in Sylhet Iqbal Siddiquee, Sylhet

Zinc enriched paddy farming has generated much hype among farmers of Dakshin Surma upazila under Sylhet, since the new variety gave them a good yield this year.According to Chunu Miah, he harvested about 17 mounds of paddy on a bigha of land this year. Chunu cultivated the variety for the first time on an experimental basis. The variety BRI-62, was released by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in 2013.

The crops were harvested at Noikhai village on Wednesday. About a hundred farmers of neighbouring villages attended the event as officials from the DAE spoke about the farming and preservation of the new variety seeds and the procedure to gain the highest yield.District Agriculture Training Officer Abu Naser said, ―BRRI scientists stated the BRI-62 paddy can be harvested within 100 to 105 days, after which the land can be used again during the winter for another crop.

Had the farmers maintained their timetables

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine accordingly, they would have had a better yield. ‖Moglabazar union parishad chairman Mahmudul Haque chaired the event, while interested farmers shared their experiences with the new variety.BRRI invented this breed, the world's first zinc enriched rice variety capable of fighting diarrhoea, pneumonia-induced child deaths and stunted growth as zinc plays an important role in preventing intestinal diseases, said Sylhet region's additional director of the Department of Agriculture, Kazi Nurul Islam.Each kilogram of this rice will contain 19 milligrams of zinc and a protein percentage of 9 which will ensure nutrition and help prevent diseases.

Reversal of levy rice procurement policy irks AP millers CH RS. SARMA KAKINADA, NOVEMBER 25: The kharif paddy crop is being harvested in the two Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh, which contribute the bulk of levy rice to the FCI, and the arrivals in the market will usually gather momentum from the first week of December and touch the peak by mid-January. However, this crop year a shadow has fallen across the scene as the Union Government has reversed the procurement policy.

Hitherto, till October this year, the FCI was procuring levy in the ratio of 75:25, with the millers milling and giving 75 per cent of the paddy they have bought from the farmers to the FCI as levy and selling the rest in the open market, either in the domestic market or for export purposes to other countries.

However, the ratio has now been reversed and the FCI will now take only 25 per cent as levy and the millers have to sell the rest in the open market in accordance with the new policy. The millers are not ready for the sudden policy reversal and have appealed to the State Government and the Union Government to change the ratio to at least 50:50.

Explaining the position of the millers, East Godavari Rice Millers‘ Association President A Ramakrishna Reddy said, ―We are not questioning the policy of the Union Government but the decision has been taken without taking into account certain market realities. The millers in the two Godavari districts have always bought paddy from the farmers at the MSP or even at a slightly higher price. It was possible because of the assured 75 per cent levy given to the FCI. Millers could buy paddy briskly from farmers but it would not be possible now, as the levy is only 25. It is not easy for the millers to find a ready market for the rest of 75 per cent and most of the millers do not have the holding capacity. Even a big miller will be put to great hardship,‖ he said.

He said it should also be borne in mind that some of the varieties grown in the Godavari districts such as Swarna are not consumed locally but given to the FCI as levy or sold in other States or countries. Therefore, it was not easy for the millers to find market for these varieties in a hurry.AP Rice Millers‘ Association President G Venkateswara Rao said the Government should offer some relief to the millers at

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine least in the implementation of the new policy and the millers should be allowed to sell to the FCI the fixed levy quota immediately and then buy the rest from the farmers at the MSP. Otherwise, the stocks would be stuck with the farmers.

(This article was published on November 25, 2014)

Filipino Farmers Protest Government Research on Genetically Modified Rice

By Diana Mendoza Filipino rice farmers claim that national heritage sites like the 2,000-year-old Ifugao Rice Terraces are threatened by the looming presence of genetically modified crops. Credit: Courtesy Diana Mendoza MANILA, Nov 26 2014 (IPS) - Jon Sarmiento, a farmer in the Cavite province in southern Manila, plants a variety of fruits and vegetables, but his main crop, rice, is under threat. He claims that approval by the Philippine government of the genetically modified ‗golden rice‘ that is fortified with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, could ruin his livelihood.

Sarmiento, who is also the sustainable agriculture programme officer of PAKISAMA, a national movement of farmers‘ organisations, told IPS, ―Genetically modified rice will not address the lack of vitamin A, as there are already many other sources of this nutrient. It will worsen hunger.

It will also kill diversification and contaminate other crops.‖Sarmiento aired his sentiments during a protest activity last week in front of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), an office under the Department of

Agriculture, during which farmers unfurled a huge canvas depicting a three-dimensional illustration of the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao province in the northern part of the Philippines.―We challenge the government to walk the talk and ‗Be RICEponsible‘." -- Jon Sarmiento, a farmer in the Cavite province in southern Manila Considered by Filipinos as the eighth wonder of the world, the 2,000-year-old Ifugao Rice Terraces represent the country‘s rich rice heritage, which some say will be at stake once the golden rice is approved.The protesting farmers also delivered to the BPI, which is responsible for the development of plant industries and crop production and protection, an ‗extraordinary opposition‘ petition against any extension, renewal or issuance of a new bio-safety permit for further field testing, feeding trials or commercialisation of golden rice.―We challenge the government to walk the talk and ‗Be RICEponsible‘,‖ Sarmiento said, echoing the theme of a national advocacy campaign aimed at cultivating rice selfsufficiency in the Philippines.Currently, this Southeast Asian nation of 100 million people is the eighth largest rice producer in the world, accounting for 2.8 percent of global rice production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

But it was also the world‘s largest rice importer in 2010, largely because the Philippines‘ area of harvested rice is very

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine small compared with other major riceproducing countries in Asia. In addition to lacking sufficient land resources to produce its total rice requirement, the Philippines is devastated by at least 20 typhoons every year that destroy crops, the FAO said.However, insufficient output is not the only thing driving research and development on rice.

A far greater concern for scientists and policy-makers is turning the staple food into a greater source of nutrition for the population.

The government and independent research institutes are particularly concerned about nutrition deficiencies that cause malnutrition, especially among poorer communities.According to the Philippinesbased International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), ―Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in the country, affecting more than 1.7 million children under the age of five and 500,000 pregnant and nursing women.‖The vast majority of those affected live in remote areas, cut off from access to government nutrition programmes. The IRRI estimates that guaranteeing these isolated communities sufficient doses of vitamin A could reduce child mortality here by 23-34 percent.

Such thinking has provided the impetus for continued research and development on genetically modified rice, despite numerous protests including a highly publicised incident in August last year in which hundreds of activists entered a government test field and uprooted saplings of the controversial golden rice crop.While scientists forge ahead with their tests, protests appear to be heating up, spurred on by a growing global movement against GMOs. Last week‘s public action – which received support from Greenpeace Southeast Asia and included farmers‘ groups, organic

traders and consumers, mothers and environmentalists – denounced the government‘s continuing research on golden rice and field testing, as well as the distribution and cropping of geneticallymodified corn and eggplant.Monica Geaga, another protesting farmer who is from the group SARILAYA, an organisation of female organic farmers from the riceproducing provinces in the main island of Luzon, said women suffer multiple burdens when crops are subjected to genetic modification. ―It is a form of harassment and violence against women who are not just farmers but are also consumers and mothers who manage households and the health and nutrition of their families,‖ she told IPS.Geaga said she believes that if plants are altered from their natural state, they release toxins that are harmful to human health.Protestors urged the government to shield the country‘s rice varieties from contamination by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and instead channel the money for rice research into protecting the country‘s biodiversity and rich cultural heritage while ensuring ecological agricultural balance.

Though there is a dearth of hard data on how much the Philippine government has spent on GMO research, the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines estimates that the government and its multinational partner companies have spent an estimated 2.6 million dollars developing GM corn alone.Furthermore, activists and scientists say GMOs violate the National Organic Law that supports the propagation of rice varieties that already possess multi-nutrients such as carbohydrates, minerals, fibre, and potassium, according to the Philippines‘ National Nutrition Council (NNC).

The NNC also said other rice varieties traditionally produced in the Philippines

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine such as brown, red, and purple rice contain these nutrients.Danilo Ocampo, ecological agriculture campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines, said the ―flawed regulatory system‖ in the BPI, the sole government agency in charge of GMO approvals, ―has led to approvals of all GMO applications without regard to their long-term impact on the environment and human health.‖―The problem with the current regulatory system is that there is no administrative remedy available to farmers once contamination happens. It is also frustrating that consumers and the larger populace are not given the chance to participate in GM regulation,‖ said Ocampo .―It is high time that we exercise our right to participate and be part of a regulatory system that affects our food, our health and our future,‖ he asserted.Greenpeace explained in statements released to the media that aside from the lack of scientific consensus on the safety of GMOs on human health and the environment, they also threaten the country‘s rich biodiversity.Greenpeace Philippines said genetically modified crops such as corn or rice contain built-in pesticides that can be toxic, and their ability to cross-breed and cross-pollinate other natural crops can happen in an open environment, which cannot be contained.

Last week saw farmer activists in other cities in the Philippines stage protest actions that called on the government to protect the country‘s diverse varieties of rice and crops and stop GMO research and field-testing.In Davao City south of Manila, stakeholders held the 11th National Organic Agriculture Congress. In Cebu City, also south of Manila, farmers protested the contamination of corn, their second staple food, and gathered petitions supporting the call against the commercial approval of golden rice.

Edited by Kanya D’Almeida

SunRice closes Coleambally mill SHRINKING water allocations and competition from other summer crops have forced SunRice to put its Coleambally rice mill back into mothballs for the harvest in 2015 - just two years after re-opening the site.

Farmer-owned SunRice has confirmed operations at Coleambally Mill will be placed in care and maintenance from February 27 in response to "changing business needs".The decision follows close on the heels of SunRice taking over the fledgling Burdekin region specialist rice processing assets of the Blue Ribbon Rice Group in North Queensland.Chief executive officer Rob Gordon said a review of SunRice's operational footprint took into account the smaller rice crop to be processed in NSW following this year's autumn harvest, and an even smaller crop expected next year.Southern NSW growers grew about 800,000 tonnes of rice last summer.

SunRice chairman Gerry Lawson recently confirmed ricegrowers were likely to produce less than 700,000t in the coming year unless water allocations and seasonal conditions favoured a late lift in yield potential.Nine permanent Coleambally staff will be offered jobs in SunRice's Leeton mills. One contracted employee will continue in their role until the site moves to

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine its care and maintenance phase.When a big upswing in rice production prompted the company to re-open its Deniliquin and Coleambally operations in 2012, SunRice estimated it needed about 34 staff at Coleambally to handle the big post-drought harvest.

Mr Gordon said the site had played an important role in supporting the larger mills in Deniliquin and Leeton.However, changing circumstances in the industry had forced the company to change its operations and make its decision public at the earliest possible time to ensure a seamless transition.

Arkansas County Extension Service hosts farm bill workshop Several speakers presented information to the attendees and answered questions about the new farm bill.

Submitted PhotoOver 250 farmers, landowners and interested individuals attended a farm bill workshop at the Rice Research and Extension Center.

By Dawn Teer teer@stuttgartdailyleader.com Posted Nov. 25, 2014 @ 6:01 pm STUTTGART —According to Arkansas County Extension Agent Grant Beckwith, over 250 farmers, landowners and other interested parties attended the farm bill workshop held Wednesday at the Rice Research and Extension Center auditorium.

the new farm bill. Danny Hoots, Arkansas County FSA executive director, gave an overview of the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), along with yield updates and base reallocations. Tony Franco, Farm Programs Division chief of the Arkansas State FSA office, discussed PLC and ARC on the county level. Dr Bobby Coats discussed the farm bill decision making process, and Dr. Brad Watkins discussed the web-based farm bill decision aid Beckwith invited producers with questions about the 2014 Farm Bill to also contact Bobby Coats at (501) 671-2195; Brad Watkins, professor of agricultural economics, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, at (870) 673-2661; Archie Flanders, assistant professor of agricultural economics, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Keiser, at (870) 526-2199 Ext. 108; or Scott Stiles, instructor of agricultural economics, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Jonesboro, at (870) 972-2481 For more information on the 2014 Farm Bill, visit www.uaex.edu/farm-ranch/economicsmarketing/farm-bill/.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Several speakers presented information to the attendees and answered questions about

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