10th october,2014 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter

10th October , 2014

News Head Lines….  Punjab procures 4.74 LT paddy so far  Punjab is eyeing to procure 140 LT of paddy in current season.  Heavy rains damage crops in Lower Dir  Taiwan restaurant chain begins importing US riceTaiShihFu has announced plans for significant expansion throughout Taiwan, which should translate into growing use of U.S. rice accordingly  PH rice stock now below desired level  Prayut says Thais should prefer rice over bread  Ivory Coast on Quest to Become West Africa's Rice Bowl  Chinese importers get taste of U.S. rice — Chemical industry to organic: Back off BPA — Poll: Food policy holds sway over swing voters  Ivory Coast on quest to become West Africa's rice bowl  Nobel Peace Prize Contenders Include Indian Geneticist M.S. Swaminathan  News Shared by USA RICE DAILY  News shared by Rice Grower Association of Australia

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News Detail….

Punjab procures 4.74 LT paddy so far Press Trust of India | Chandigarh October 10, 2014 Last Updated at 19:04 IST

As much as 4.74 lakh tonnes (LT) of paddy has so far been procured in Punjab by government agencies and private millers during the ongoing Kharif marketing season 2014-15. Out of total purchase, government agencies bought 82 per cent of arrivals at 3.89 lakh tonnes, while rest was bought by private millers and traders, said an official spokesman. Among government agencies, Pungrain procured 1.06 LT while Markfed, Punsup, PSWC and PAFC bought 1.01 LT, 84,373 tonnes, 32,564 tonne and 41,532 tonnes, respectively. FCI has procured 23,174 tonne of crop in Punjab.

Punjab is eyeing to procure 140 LT of paddy in current season.

Brazil Expects Record Grain Harvest

this year a record 193.5 million tons of grains, up 2.8 percent over last year, the government said Thursday.But September‘s field reports from government inspectors show the production of grains, beans and oil seeds will be slightly lower than August estimates, the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE) said.

The overall increase in food production is due mainly to a 5.9 percent expansion in the area under cultivation to 56 million hectares (138.3 million acres).Soy, corn and rice, in that order, together account for 85.1 percent of the harvest.

Soy production will increase 5.5 percent to 86.2 million tons, while rice will go up 3.5 percent to 12.2 million tons and corn will decrease 3.1 percent to 77 million tons, the IBGE said.Coffee, another of Brazil‘s top exports, will come in at only 2.7 million tons as a result of hot, dry weather early in the year and declining prices in world markets.

Heavy rains damage crops in Lower Dir October 10, 2014 RECORDER REPORT

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil, one of the world‘s largest food producers, will harvest

Heavy rains and hailstorm damaged standing maize and rice crops in various areas of Lower Dir district while the water level rose in the streams which washed away two cars and damaged roads in the area. The intermittent rains continued in the area the whole day while hailstorm started in the afternoon in various areas included

Ckhadara, Badwan Khadagzi, Och, Usaki, Kotigran, Tazagram and other areas damaging standing crops and roads.

A house also caved-in due to heavy rain but fortunately no human loss was reported in it.

Water overflowed the roads amidst rains which damaged them while the drainage system completely chocked owing to rain water. Locals said that no governmental or other organisation came to their relief in the rains and hailstorm affected areas in the district.

Taiwan restaurant chain begins importing US riceTaiShihFu has announced plans for significant expansion throughout Taiwan, which should translate into growing use of U.S. rice accordingly

By USA Rice Federation Posted Oct. 10, 2014 @ 1:06 pm KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN — TaiShihFu, one of Taiwan‘s largest local restaurant chains with 51 stores, began importing U.S. rice directly in early 2014 for use in their popular meal box. "TaiShihFu's management reached out to our promotions team about importing U.S. rice directly," said Bill Farmer, the USA Rice Federation's director of Asia Programs. "We encouraged them to test additional U.S. rice samples from the local market to evaluate quality and texture, and we were pleased they determined that use of U.S. rice could improve the quality of their meal products.

"Farmer said the promotions group helped TaiShihFu navigate the tendering process and the company began participating in SBS-USA tender bidding in 2013. They were awarded 230 metric tons last year, and 300 metric tons so far this year.TaiShihFu has announced plans for significant expansion throughout Taiwan, which should translate into growing use of U.S. rice accordingly.

PH rice stock now below desired level Inventory may only last 44 days, says gov’t

By Ronnel W. Domingo |Philippine Daily Inquirer 3:48 am | Friday, October 10th, 2014

MANILA, Philippines–The nation‘s stock of milled rice in September fell for the fourth month in a row to 1.49 million tons, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The supply may only be worth 44 days of consumption, the agency said. Overall inventory as of Sept. 1 was seven days less than the 1.72 million tons recorded in the beginning of July. The supply dwindled from the post-harvest stock of 74 days‘ worth of grains last May 1 as the domestic rice market went through the lean months, with the new crop awaiting harvest.

In September, the National Food Authority (NFA) was still waiting for the final batch of rice shipments from Vietnam. Under the most recent importation deal sealed by the NFA last April, 200,000 tons were supposed to arrive last month.

Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna at the time said the lean rice season could extend to October. De Luna said many rice farmers delayed planting for the wet season, particularly in areas that rely on rain for

irrigation, due to the late onset of showers this year. Based on the government‘s measure of rice supply, the buffer stock must exceed the expected demand by covering 90 days‘ worth of consumption.

The latest data from the PSA showed that the NFA‘s inventory went up by 10,000 tons to 450,000 tons, 97 percent of which had been imported. The NFA‘s stock remained at 13 days‘ worth of consumption—still short of the agency‘s mandate of keeping at least 15 days‘ worth of supply. Also, stocks held by households and commercial warehouses shrank by 100,000 tons and 140,000 tons, respectively.

Households reportedly kept a total of 600,000 tons, good for 18 days, while commercial warehouses held 440,000 tons, enough for 13 days. The NFA is currently in the process of securing additional supplies through a government-to-government process following a call for tenders for 500,000 tons last month. The NFA sells well-milled rice for P32 a kilo, and regularmilled rice for P27 a kilo.

Prayut says Thais should prefer rice over bread October 10, 2014 8:52 pm Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Friday that he would like Thais to prefer rice over bread."We should preserver Thai culture of eating rice instead of teaching Thais to eat bread," Prayut said during his weekly TV programme Friday night.He quoted Her Majesty the Queen as saying that eating rice would not cause the people to become fat if they eat it in a proper amount.He said foreign athletes now eat rice

as source of energy while Thais have started shunning rice."I would like to promote Thais to eat rice and would like the entire global populations to eat rice," Prayut said.

Ivory Coast on Quest to Become West Africa's Rice Bowl A man works in a rice field in Nanan, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, Sept. 27, 2014 Reuters October 09, 2014 5:32 PM ABIDJAN —

Ivory Coast aims to become the rice bowl of West Africa as it ramps up production and processing of the regional staple food with an eye on beginning exports in 2018 and generating more than a million jobs, a government official said.In the midst of an economic revival after years of political turmoil ended with a brief civil war in 2011, the country better known as the world's biggest cocoa producer is investing about $4 billion as part of a program to diversify its agricultural sector and create jobs.

French-speaking West Africa's largest economy is growing again after the decadelong political struggle between a rebel-held north and government-controlled south. It

achieved growth of 9.8 percent in 2012, but unemployment among its 20 million people remains high, especially among the youug.Currently a rice importer, Ivory Coast spent about 235 billion CFA francs ($455 million) on rice from Thailand, India, Pakistan and Vietnam last year, but Yacouba Dembele, director of the national office for rice development, is targeting selfsufficiency within two years.

Dembele told Reuters that 477 billion CFA francs will be invested in the 2012-16 period to develop the rice industry, with about 60 percent coming from the private sector."We want to be the granary of the [West African] sub-region and from 2018 we want to start to satisfy the sub-region's rice needs," Dembele said.

"We have the potential."The government has signed investment agreements with foreign companies including France's Louis Dreyfus Commodities , Algeria's Cevital, Export Trading Group of Singapore and Switzerland's Ameropa.Under the programme, the government is organizing distribution of high-yield seeds to farmers and bankrolling the development of new production areas and irrigation systems.In and around the western town of Gagnoa one of the areas that has benefited from the program despite being better known as a cocoa-growing hub - dozens of new rice plots have appeared.

Multiple Harvests

"There were plots that were abandoned and which are now being used," farmer Mamadou Diaby said over the noise of the small rice mill he operates in the town. "We have abundant rainfall, which means that we can grow year-round. There are plots that are doing two or even three harvests a year."Ivory Coast's rice production jumped

to 980,000 tons in 2012, the first year of the development plan, against 550,000 tons in 2011. Last year production hit 1.2 million tons, with output projected to rise to 1.6 million this season.

Imports, meanwhile, fell to 830,000 tons last year, from 1.26 million tons in 2012."For the first time in 30 years we have reduced imports by around 35 percent compared with the previous year. It's a trend that will continue," Dembele said.

Men harvest rice in a rice field in Nanan, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, Sept. 27, 2014.

Men harvest rice in a rice field in Nanan, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, Sept. 27, 2014.

With average annual consumption of 70kg per head of population, Ivory Coast will need to reach production of two million tons before it becomes self-sufficient - a level that Dembele said should be achieved in 2016.The government then plans to build up stocks to guard against international price fluctuation before starting to export to its regional neighbors two years later."We have a large deficit in terms of processing," Dembele said.

"If you produce paddy, you must be capable of processing it. It's a very important element in the chain."India is lending Ivory Coast 30 billion CFA francs to buy 30 processing units, each with annual capacity of 25,000 tons, and to build storage units.The Ivory Coast government expects locally produced and processed rice to go on sale alongside imported rice by April.Quite apart from the obvious savings on import costs, the creation of a thriving local rice industry - from production to milling and marketing - will have a significant knock-on effect for the economy."In the end, this project will generate nearly 1.5 million jobs, directly or indirectly," Dembele said.

With help from Bill Tomson, Chase Purdy and Helena Bottemiller Evich CHINESE IMPORTERS GET TASTE OF U.S. RICE: ―A delegation from China‘s largest importer just wrapped up a weeklong tour of Arkansas, Louisiana and California to meet with U.S. rice exporters — the first concrete sign that China is interested,‖ Pro Agriculture‘s Bill Tomson reports. ―We expected this trip to help prepare us to reach import contract agreements with American rice suppliers as soon as China allows rice imports from America,‖ William Li, leader of the Dragon Ocean Hing Group delegation, said in a release from the U.S. rice industry group, which put on the tour. ―We believe American rice will enhance our product line, and we wish to be the first company to import American rice into China.‖ China is a much coveted export destination for U.S. rice farmers. Bill Farmer, director of Asia promotion at the U.S. Rice Federation, believes the country could import as much as five million tons annually. Even a small slice of that would be huge for U.S. rice farmers, who depend on foreign markets to buy more than half of what they produce each year. Pros can click here for the rest of Tomson‘s story: http://politico.pro/1rXW9RN

(1 US dollar = 516.6500 CFA franc)

Chinese importers get taste of U.S. rice — Chemical industry to organic: Back off BPA — Poll: Food policy holds sway over swing voters

By JENNY HOPKINSON | 10/09/14 10:00 AM EDT

GOOD MORNING! Welcome to Morning Ag, where your host is still kicking herself for not coming back from her trip to Senegal with her own picture of a sheep in a bag riding on the top of an automobile, a regular sight during her travels. However, this should give you the basic gist of how this livestock transportation method works: http://bit.ly/1sfJT0H As always, you know the deal: thoughts, news, tips, more efficient

livestock transit suggestions? Send them to or @jennyhops. Follow us @Morning_Ag. CHEMICAL INDUSTRY TO ORGANIC: BACK OFF BPA: The American Chemistry Council, which represents producers of industrial chemicals, is trying to head off an effort by the National Organic Standards Board to investigate banning the use of the plastic ingredient bisphenol-A in food packaging and can linings for organic foods. In Oct. 7 comments to the board, ACC argues the chemical is safe for such uses and a ban could result in food safety issues. ―Can linings are used to protect the safety and integrity of canned products and, thus, provide an important public health benefit,‖ ACC says. ―…Prohibiting BPA would prohibit the highest performing can linings available and increase the risk of food contamination through forced use of materials that may provide lower performance.‖ Prohibiting the use of BPA in packaging is on a proposed list of research priorities that is set to be considered at the NOSB meeting, Oct. 28-30, in Louisville, Ky. The chemical has been linked to brain, behavioral and prostate problems in humans.

ACC‘s comments are available here: http://politico.pro/1nZHuXY The full list of proposed research priorities is available here: http://1.usa.gov/1ut5IsJ POLL: FOOD POLICY HOLDS SWAY OVER SWING VOTERS: “Politicians who want to fight against food stamp cuts this election cycle should zero in on the impact to veterans, a poll released [Wednesday] suggests,‖ reports Pro Agriculture‘s Helena Bottemiller Evich.

With the clock ticking on the 2014 elections, ―several food policy issues — from safety to

farm subsidies — could still be used as powerful campaign tools, Food Policy Action says, citing the results of a survey it commissioned of 1,009 adults. The group is widely disseminating the results of the poll with the hope that campaigns will pick up their underlying messages.‖ The full story is available here: http://politico.pro/1xpMsxd 26 DAYS UNTIL THE ELECTION: And as the big day approaches, attention is turning to agriculture issues in several key races. A quick roundup of recent updates, courtesy of our friends at POLITICO‘s Morning Score: -- In the California 21st District House Race, Republican Agriculture Committee member Rep. David Valadao squared off with Democrat Amanda Renteria on health care, immigration and water issues, the Bakersfield Californian reports: http://bit.ly/1vOvGZt -- A new SurveyUSA poll on the Senate race in Kansas shows independent Greg Orman leading Republican and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry member Pat Roberts, 47 percent to 42 percent, the latest in a string of polls showing the political newcomer besting the veteran lawmaker: http://bit.ly/1t23nI2 -- Iowa Rep. Steve King (R), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, is airing his first ad of the cycle against Democratic challenger Jim Mowrer. The spot features King walking through a cornfield and suggests the lawmaker ―ruffles feathers. But doesn‘t Washington need a ruffle-er, too?‖: http://dmreg.co/1oP5fwA ‘ORGANIC V. NOSTALGIC DIVIDE’: The latest predictor of elections may come down to Whole Foods and Cracker Barrel locations. The number crunchers at Nate

Silver‘s FiveThirtyEight have found districts with Whole Foods stores sway Democratic while voters near Cracker Barrel locations tend to go Republican.

The difference is pretty dramatic: ―Obama won 77 percent of all counties with a Whole Foods and just 29 percent of all counties with a Cracker Barrel,‖ the site reports.

However, if the trend holds going forward, Republicans can expect good returns in 2014. This year, ―most of the top 12 competitive Senate races are playing out in Cracker Barrel country more than in Whole Foods country,‖ FiveThirtyEight notes. The full story is available here: http://53eig.ht/ZdT31z INDUSTRY SPENDS $9 MILLION IN SODA TAX FIGHT: The American Beverage Association has now poured in at least $9.1 million to fight against soda tax initiatives in Berkeley and San Francisco, according to the election filings released this week. That amounts to $15.50 per voter, The San Francisco Chronicle reports. And there's still four more weeks until the vote. The paper found that ABA‘s spending includes $2.6 million to Goddard Gunster, the creative firm famous for its Harry & Louise health care ads, $820,000 to local consultants, and an untold sum for ads on billboards and most San Francisco TV and radio outlets. The Chronicle‘s story is here: http://bit.ly/1pNqajK The latest story from Pro Agriculture on what‘s at stake is here: http://politi.co/1rv1KQR GROUPS DROP ALT CASE APPEAL AFTER EPA BOWS OUT: Environmental groups have voluntarily dismissed their appeal of a federal court‘s decision that the EPA erred when it sought to require a permit for farmyard runoff from a West Virginia chicken farm.

The Center for Food Safety, Potomac Riverkeeper, Waterkeeper Alliance and Food and Water Watch Oct. 2 moved to have the case, Alt, et al., v. EPA, et al., voluntarily dismissed following the Sept. 22 announcement by EPA that it would not pursue the appeal. The move by the group to drop the suit was largely due to the fact that it‘s ―very difficult to walk into court to defend agency regulations when the Agency itself doesn‘t have the courage to show up and defend itself,‖ Paige Tomaselli, an attorney for CFS, tells MA. However, Tomaselli adds, ―CFS will continue to pursue polluters like Lois Alt in future litigation.‖ EU-CANADA BEEF DEAL DOESN’T SWAY NCBA: The National Cattlemen‘s Beef Association says its members are not budging from their stance on hormones in beef, which is impeding a trade agreement with Europe, despite the finalization of a deal between the E.U. and Canada on the issue. Word came Wednesday that the Canadians have agreed to produce hormonefree meat on a massive scale for the EU. However, U.S. cattlemen ―are not satisfied with just looking at hormone free access,‖ Chase Adams, NCBA spokesman, tells MA. ―We continue to push for access to the E.U. market that is in line with the [World Trade Organization]‘s science-based standards.‖ More on Canada‘s deal is available here: http://politico.pro/1qjO1Hm EPA’S MCCARTHY HITS THE ROAD AGAIN FOR WOTUS: EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is in Miami today where she will use an event to recognize King Tide Day and talk about the benefits of clean water, touting the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule. What is King Tide Day? King tides are the highest tides of the year, which in Miami often bring flooding, according to

a statement from EPA: http://1.usa.gov/1vOPKJi AFRICA AND BIOTECH CROPS: African countries could collectively become a world powerhouse for agricultural production, but the nations need to first fully embrace biotechnology, says a new report produced by the African Development Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute. However, ―Africa‘s approach to agbiotech has been cautious,‖ according to the report. Thus far biotech crops have only been commercially planted on a large scale in four African countries: Burkina Faso, Egypt, South Africa and Sudan. See the full report here: http://bit.ly/YItSED USDA CLAIMS SUCCESS IN FIGHT AGAINST SCRAPIE: The Agriculture Department is highlighting its efforts to eradicate scrapie — an ovine disease believed to be related to BSE — saying its prevalence has declined by 90 percent over the past decade. Scrapie is always lethal for sheep and goats, but is not believed to also be a threat to humans, unlike mad cow disease. So far this year, five infected flocks have been detected, compared to eleven in 2013, USDA says. See the full USDA report here: http://bit.ly/1CVrDwy MA’s INSTANT OATS — The drought continues to take a toll on California ranchers. A new update from USDA‗s National Agriculture Statistics Service reports that forage land used to feed cattle and sheep is in ―mostly poor to very poor condition‖: http://1.usa.gov/1nZHzuR -- Idaho dairy producers told the Capital Press that they were surprised by Chobani‘s announcement seeking milk from cows fed non-GMO feed: http://bit.ly/1CVOnwo

Ivory Coast on quest to become West Africa's rice bowl Govt and private sector investing heavily * Rice self-sufficiency expected in 2016 * Aiming to begin rice exports in 2018 * Building 30 processing units with Indian loans

By Loucoumane Coulibaly ABIDJAN, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast aims to become the rice bowl of West Africa as it ramps up production and processing of the regional staple food with an eye on beginning exports in 2018 and generating more than a million jobs, a government official said.In the midst of an economic revival after years of political turmoil ended with a brief civil war in 2011, the country better known as the world's biggest cocoa producer is investing about $4 billion as part of a programme to diversify its agricultural sector and create jobs.French-speaking West Africa's largest economy is growing again after the decade-long political struggle between a rebel-held north and governmentcontrolled south.

It achieved growth of 9.8 percent in 2012, but unemployment among its 20 million people remains high, especially among the young.Currently a rice importer, Ivory Coast spent about 235 billion CFA francs ($455 million) on rice from Thailand, India, Pakistan and Vietnam last year, but Yacouba Dembele, director of the national office for rice development, is targeting selfsufficiency within two years.Dembele told Reuters that 477 billion CFA francs will be invested in the 2012-16 period to develop the rice industry, with about 60 percent coming from the private sector."We want to be the granary of the (West African) subregion and from 2018 we want to start to

satisfy the sub-region's rice needs," Dembele said.

"We have the potential."The government has signed investment agreements with foreign companies including France's Louis Dreyfus Commodities , Algeria's Cevital, Export Trading Group of Singapore and Switzerland's Ameropa.Under the programme, the government is organising distribution of high-yield seeds to farmers and bankrolling the development of new production areas and irrigation systems.In and around the western town of Gagnoa one of the areas that has benefited from the programme despite being better known as a cocoa growing hub - dozens of new rice plots have appeared.

MULTIPLE HARVESTS "There were plots that were abandoned and which are now being used," farmer Mamadou Diaby said over the noise of the small rice mill he operates in the town. "We have abundant rainfall, which means that we can grow year-round. There are plots that are doing two or even three harvests a year."Ivory Coast's rice production jumped to 980,000 tonnes in 2012, the first year of the development plan, against 550,000 tonnes in 2011. Last year production hit 1.2 million tonnes, with output projected to rise to 1.6 million this season.Imports, meanwhile, fell to 830,000 tonnes last year, from 1.26 million tonnes in 2012.

"For the first time in 30 years we have reduced imports by around 35 percent compared with the previous year. It's a trend that will continue," Dembele said.With average annual consumption of 70kg per head of population, Ivory Coast will need to reach production of 2 million tonnes before it becomes self-sufficient - a level that Dembele said should be achieved in

2016.The government then plans to build up stocks to guard against international price fluctuation before starting to export to its regional neighbours two years later.

"We have a large deficit in terms of processing," Dembele said. "If you produce paddy, you must be capable of processing it.

It's a very important element in the chain."India is lending Ivory Coast 30 billion CFA francs to buy 30 processing units, each with annual capacity of 25,000 tonnes, and to build storage units.The Ivory Coast government expects locally produced and processed rice to go on sale alongside imported rice by April.Quite apart from the obvious savings on import costs, the creation of a thriving local rice industry from production to milling and marketing will have a significant knock-on effect for the economy."In the end, this project will generate nearly 1.5 million jobs, directly or indirectly," Dembele said. (1 US dollar = 516.6500 CFA franc) (Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by David Goodman)

Nobel Peace Prize Contenders Include Indian Geneticist M.S. Swaminathan

By Shanoor Seervai

Indian geneticist Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, known as the father of Indias

Green Revolution, is among the nominees this year for the Nobel Peace Prize.

News shared by Rice Grower Association of Australia

Photo Courtesy M. Research Foundation

The Nation

S.

Swaminathan

Indian geneticist Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, known as the father of India‘s Green Revolution for helping develop higher-yielding crops to fight hunger, is among those believed to be in the running this year for the Nobel Peace Prize.Mr. Swaminathan‘s name has been mentioned along with Yuan Longping, a Chinese scientist who developed hybrid rice varieties.Others reportedly in contention for the prize, which is to be announced later Friday, include Pope John Francis and Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, who was shot after campaigning for women‘s education.

Mr. Swaminathan was director general of the International Rice Research Institute, a research and training organization headquartered in the Philippines, from 1982 to 1989.In 1988, he founded the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, using the proceeds from the World Food Prize that he received the year before.Mr. Swaminathan‘s recent focus is on how to address nutritional challenges using appropriate agricultural interventions like identifying crop species with higher levels of micronutrients and introducing them into the farming system, said Ajay Pardia, executive director of the foundationIn 1987, Javier Perez de Cuellar, the then secretarygeneral of the United Nations wrote, ―Dr. Swaminathan is a living legend. His contributions to agricultural science have made an indelible mark on food production in India and elsewhere in the developing world.‖

The Australasian Bittern is a globally endangered waterbird that we know little about. We've recently discovered that large numbers use the rice crops of the New South Wales Riverina in Australia. It's an unusual situation, with agriculture and wildlife conservation meeting so unequivocally. But we don't know where they go after the rice has been harvested and which wetlands they depend on during their non-breeding season.

With your help we can satellite track at least seven bitterns, following them online wherever they go.The Pozible crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 to satellite track seven endangered Australasian Bitterns has just 17 days to go. So far over $20,000 in pledges have been received, however the funding campaign is ―all or nothing‖ so the $50K target must be reached by 27 October or the project won‘t go ahead.Visit the Pozible campaign website to pledge your support. If pledging by credit card on the internet is not your thing, please contact Neil Bull on 0428 603 557 to make other arrangements.

2014/2015 available.

Rice

Variety

Guide

now

The 2014/2015 Rice Variety Guide is now available on the NSW DPI website and all growers will be receiving a copy in the next couple of weeks. The Variety guide compares variety yield performances for the 2013/14 season along with a seasonal review and general agronomic and quality characteristics of all varieties. The Guide

also includes the agronomic and quality characteristics of the new variety Topaz.The Rice Crop Protection Guide 2014/2015 will also be available soon on the NSW DPI website and a copy will also be sent to all rice growers. The new guide includes all the latest chemical recommendations and drill and aerial sown weed control strategies to combat resistance. There are tables that cost out each weed control program for both aerial sown crops and drill or combine sown crops.

Landholder register for licensed hunters Landholders who want to be contacted by licensed hunters to control ducks this season must authorise their listing on the Native Game Bird Landholder Register.Landholders can use this form to authorise the release of their name, property information and contact details on the Native Game Bird Landholder Register.The Native Game Bird Support Officer will maintain the register which will only be available to licensed hunters who have updated their licence for native game birds.Listings on the Native Game Bird Landholder Register are voluntary only.For more information about the Native Game Bird Management Program, contact the Game Licensing Unit.

Fuel tax credits helping primary producers cut costs Good news for businesses claiming fuel tax credits. The repeal of the carbon tax means that from 1 July 2014, some of the rates have increased, potentially reducing your fuel costs even further.

If you‘re not already claiming fuel tax credits to help keep your costs down, then you should go online and check out the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Fuel tax credit eligibility tool.

Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program The Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program is a $32.5 million allocation of funding from the Australian Government to assist economic development projects that support the economic base of NSW regional communities that are most likely to be affected by the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Connecting Communities through Water The Philmac Project offers $30,000 in cash grants per year to help community groups – such as schools, sports clubs, landcare groups and show societies – roll out waterrelated community projects.So if you have a great idea, like a new bore, a rehabilitation site or a better use for rainwater, fill in the brief form online, and then rally your local community to drum up votes.

Please don't hesitate to contact us at the RGA Office on 02 6953 0433 if you have any queries or suggestions.

Regards RGA Team Ricegrowers' Association of Australia P: 02 6953 0433 F: 02 6953 3823 E: rga@rga.org.au Follow us on Twitter: @ricegrowers

News Shared by USA RICE DAILY USA Rice Bids Farewell to Reece Langley Less Well Known Farm Bill Fun Facts

luck and success, but know he'll find it no matter what.""I truly feel honored to have served with a great team of people, and I thank you all for the opportunity to work with you on behalf of such a wonderful industry," Langley said at the luncheon.

Contact: Michael Klein (703) 236-1458

ARLINGTON, VA - The Langley Era has officially come to an end as the organization said goodbye to Vice President of Government Affairs Reece Langley at a luncheon in his honor today. Langley, a native of Alabama, spent 10 years at USA Rice and is moving on to become the Vice President, Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council."It's very bittersweet seeing Reece move on," said USA Rice CEO Betsy Ward. "I think we're all very happy for him professionally, but he was such an integral part of our family, it's tough to see him leave."

"The U.S. rice industry enjoys a fantastic reputation on Capitol Hill, and that is in no small part the reputation of Reece Langley," said John Owen, Louisiana rice producer and Chairman of the USA Rice Producers' Group."Reece expertly guided our industry through two Farm Bills, and our future looks bright thanks to him," said Linda Raun, a Texas rice producer who worked closely with Langley on the Farm Bills."We hate to see Reece leave," said Arkansas producer and USA Rice Federation Chairman Dow Brantley, "but frankly, it's kind of a compliment to us - Cotton wanted the best, and they found it in our Reece. We wish him

USA Rice Presses Market Access for U.S. Rice in Taiwan Still waiting for their U.S. rice in Taiwan

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Michael Rue, California producer and chairman of the USA Rice Federation's Asia Trade Policy Subcommittee, and USA Rice COO Bob Cummings met on Thursday with officials from Taiwan's Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) to review Taiwan's tender progress for importing U.S. rice. "We're disappointed with the failure of recent tenders because of ceiling price and technical issues," said Rue. "We encouraged Taiwan to quickly retender as well as complete remaining purchases in 2014." AFA, an agency of the government, manages Taiwan's rice import obligations to members of the World Trade Organization, including the United States.While the United

States has a country specific quota of 64,634 metric tons (brown basis) of rice, Taiwan's execution of this obligation has been problematic for years because of the country's use of a non-transparent price ceiling mechanism and periodic findings of "technical" deficiencies in U.S. rice.

Taiwan traders and AFA have recently expressed interest in medium grain rice from the South, however, offers of both California and southern U.S. medium grain in last month's tenders were rejected.Rue and Cummings also met with staff of USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service in Taipei to discuss rice market access and steps going forward.

Contact: Kristen Dayton (703) 236-1464

WASDE Report Released WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. all rice production in 2014/15 is forecast at 220.7 million cwt, up 2.4 million from last month with the increase entirely due to higher yield. The average all rice yield is forecast at 7,584 pounds per acre, up 83 pounds from last month. Yields are raised in Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. All rice harvested area is unchanged at 2.91 million acres. Both long-grain and combined medium- and short-grain rice production are raised from last month, with long-grain production projected at 160.0 million cwt and combined medium- and short-grain production at 60.7 million.

The all rice import forecast is unchanged at 21.0 million cwt. Total use is projected at 233.0 million cwt, unchanged from last

month with domestic and residual use at 131.0 million and exports at 102.0 million.

All rice ending stocks are projected at 40.5 million cwt, up 2.4 million from last month, and the largest stocks since 2011/12.The 2014/15 long-grain season-average farm price range is projected at $12.20 to $13.20 per cwt, down 30 cents per cwt on each end of the range.

The combined medium- and short-grain farm price range is projected at $17.70 to $18.70 per cwt, up 45 cents per cwt on each end of the range.The all rice season-average farm price is forecast at $13.80 to $14.80 per cwt, down 10 cents per cwt on each end of the range.Global rice 2014/15 ending stocks are reduced as the decline in total supplies exceed the fall in total use. The drop in global 2014/15 rice production resulted in a decline in total supplies, despite an increase in beginning stocks.

Beginning stocks are increased 0.5 million tons due mostly to increases in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and a number of countries in SubSaharan Africa. World 2014/15 rice production is projected at 475.5 million tons, down 1.5 million from last month, and a decrease of 1.1 million tons from last year's record crop. The fall in production is due mostly to a 1.0-million ton decrease in India's crop to 102.0 million tons, due to a decline in average yield. Below normal seasonal rains during the 2014 monsoon season in some regions of India were unfavorable for rice production.

Rice crops are also reduced in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and several Sub-Saharan African

countries. Global consumption is reduced slightly, but is still a record at 481.7 million tons, up 5.6 million tons from 2013/14.

Global trade for 2014/15 is nearly unchanged from a month ago. Global 2014/15 ending stocks are projected at 104.2 million tons, down 0.9 million from last month, and 6.2 million below 2013/14. The decline in world ending stocks is due mostly to a decrease in India of 1.0 million tons.

Forecast ending stocks are also lowered for Pakistan and Sri Lanka, partially offset by increases for Brazil, the Philippines, and the United States.

Results of Japan's 4th Ordinary Import Tender in FY2014 (Successful Bids) Amo Numb Countr Quant Participa unt er of y of Variety ity ting of Impor Origin (MT) Bidders Bids ters (MT)

NonThaila glutino us nd milled rice

3

3

36,00 0

19,00 0

Grand Total

6

55,00 0

41

351,0 00

Avera JPY ge 92,110/ (tax price mty excl) for JPY (tax succes 99,479/ incl) sful mt bids

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

Read the full report here.

Nonglutino us milled USA rice (mediu m grain)

(mediu m grain)

16

25

192,0 00

159,0 00

CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for October 10

Month

Price

Net Change

November 2014

$12.585

- $0.010

January 2015

$12.735

- $0.010

March 2015

$12.970

- $0.015

May 2015

$13.170

- $0.020

July 2015

$13.350

- $0.020

September 2015

$12.740

- $0.020

November 2015

$12.715

- $0.020

USAID Celebrating 60 Years of Help and Hope WASHINGTON, DC Last night, the USA Rice Federation attended a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reception celebrating more than half a century of successful work by partners, the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Food for Peace (FFP). For fifty years, OFDA has responded to more than 2,500 disasters in every corner of the globe, including: earthquakes, droughts, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, civil unrest, and even a nuclear meltdown.FFP has brought aid to the far reaches of the world for 60 years - reaching more than 3 billion hungry people since its inception. In FY14, nearly 80,000 MT of U.S. rice was used to feed people in need throughout the world, with over half of that tonnage being programmed under the FFP program.

For Advertising SPECS & RATES Contact: Advertising Department Mujahid Ali mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

"For the past 60 years, USAID's Food for Peace program has brought hope, opportunity, and dignity to those suffering from hunger around the globe," said USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah. "It has not only saved millions of lives, but helped the world's most vulnerable communities progress from dependency to selfsufficiency." The USA Rice Federation is a strong supporter of U.S. food assistance and encourages the use of rice as a high quality agricultural commodity which is nutritious and suitable for a majority of the world's +92 321 369 2874 population. Contact: Sarah Moran (703) 236-1457