8th december,2014 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine www.ricepluss.com

Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter 8 December, 2014

Volume 4 Issue: XI

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Vol 4, Issue XII

Today’s News Headlines…                 

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On saving our rice and minimising losses Good soybean output, but not corn and wheat: StatsCan Long dry spell expected to dampen rice production DA sets new record in rice production UPDATE 1-Philippines may seek up to 600,000 T rice imports after typhoon BAAC says payments under rice growers' assistance scheme halfway complete Body set up to check falling rice exports Boosting exports: Paris gets taste of traditional Pakistani rice Ghana to soon be a net-exporter of rice Vietnam Donates Five Thousand Tons of Rice to Cuba New strategy aimed at selling rice stocks Ministry calls for rice stock selloff Ghana to soon be a net-exporter of rice Cuba News: "Vietnam Donates Five Thousand Tons of Rice to Cuba" SIGNING OF MOU BOOSTS RICE PRODUCTION IN FIJI AGRICULTURE Arkansas Welcomes 2014 USA Rice Outlook Conference 2014 Rice Award Winners Recognized at Annual Awards Luncheon CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures Dr. Argelia Lorence of Arkansas State University is recognized for rice research Iran Stops Rice Imports

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

On saving our rice and minimising losses ―Rice qualit y has been an issue since long and there is a tough competition among rice exporting countries in international market. There is a need for improved rice production, harvesting and milling technology in the country. Currently about 9,000 old re-assembled conventional wheat combine harvesters are being used for rice harvesting and that are causing grain shattering, breakage losses and low head rice recovery.‖ This was stated by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Secretary and PARC Agricultural Engineering Division (AED) Director General Dr Munir Ahmad while addressing all stakeholders including farmers, machinery service providers, rice millers, rice exporters, manufacturers, and representatives of line departments on the occasion of a day-long national seminar on ―Rice quality and head recovery affected by harvesting/threshing and milling practices‖ at a local hotel in Gujranwala.

Speaking on the occasion, National Agricultural Research Council (NARC) Director General Dr Muhammad Azeem Khan said that by adopting new improved harvesting machines, about 4-6 billion worth of losses in rice quality could be saved annually. He said PARC has developed various crop productions technologies and innovations for the benefit of small farmers. He said we are working with various stakeholders for transfer of new innovations to the endusers to make the agriculture more profitable.

Speaking on the occasion, NARC Agricultural and Biological Engineering Institute (ABEI) Director Dr Tanveer Ahmad said that due to traditional drying and storage practices more often rice produced is affected by aflatoxin. Poor crop conditions also affect rice head rice recovery. PARC has conducted a study factors causing low head rice recovery.

The results showed that conventional combines are causing low head rice recovery and paddy harvested by head feeding combines and manual harvesting gave better head rice recovery.

After detailed discussion, some recommendations were suggested by the participants of the seminar which include i) development of new improved rice varieties; ii) introduction of high capacity head feeding combines; iii) installation of rice kit on already operating conventional

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine wheat combines that are being used for rice harvesting; iv) Engineering Institute with collaboration of Engro (Pvt) initiate a project to design and develop an improved rice threshing kit for conventional combine harvesters; v) Government legislation to restrict farmers and combine service providers not to harvest paddy crop at higher moisture content; and vi) introduction of mechanical dryers, etc.

Source with thanks;http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/12/09/b usiness/on-saving-our-rice-and-minimising-losses/

Good soybean output, but not corn and wheat: StatsCan 05.12.2014

Ontario farmers reported a record production of soybeans this year but outputs of corn for grain and winter wheat were lower.Statistics Canada says soybean production in the province reached a record 3.8 million tonnes -- 17.1 per cent above last year's total.The agency says the increased production was driven by a 17.9 per cent rise in harvested area, while yield was down slightly.Production of corn for grain was down almost 16 per cent from 2013's record level of nine million tonnes while winter wheat production was down nearly 29 per cent, falling to 1.6 million tonnes.

Long dry spell expected to dampen rice production

Ronnel W. Domingo MANILA, Philippines–The probability that the El Niño weather disturbance will occur in the near future has climbed back up to 70 percent, but a “strong” event is not expected, according to a United Nations agency.

In its latest market monitoring report, the Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS) said the global rice supply situation would remain ―generally favorable,‖ although the rice production forecast for 2014 still indicated a decline from that of 2013.The AMIS, which is administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization, attributes the expected decline—by 2 million tons to 496 million tons—to contracting output in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Last month, expectations of a long, dry spell that could dampen food production were pegged at a 50-percent chance.Citing information from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), the AMIS noted that atmospheric and sea surface conditions pointed to a 70percent probability that the El Niño could last until January.The criteria for an actual El Niño, however, have not been met ―because the conditions have not been in place long enough, and certain atmospheric features have not yet appeared,‖ the AMIS said. ―A strong event is not expected, in any case.‖ Still, the agency noted that the IRI forecast indicated an increased chance of belowaverage precipitation in Southeast Asia.Rice farmers in the Philippines are currently in the latter stage of harvest. But food security authorities have raised their concerns over

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine the possible effects of Typhoon ―Ruby‖ on agricultural production.

According to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, some 12,000 bags of seeds are now ready for distribution, and the department has started to make preparations for what has been described to be the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year.―We advise farmers, whose crops are ready, to harvest quickly before Ruby arrives,‖ Alcala said on Friday. ―We want to minimize the effect of this typhoon.‖ A total of 691,692 hectares planted to palay, and 303,542 hectares planted to corn are ready for harvest, he said.In the Eastern Visayas alone, Alcala added, a total of 3,800 bags of certified seeds and 8,300 bags of hybrid seeds—all from the Philippine Rice Research Institute—have been made ready for quick replanting.Overall, the Department of Agriculture has prepared a buffer stock of seeds totaling 78,479 bags for rice, and 17,554 for corn. It has also issued directives for the relocation of livestock and other farm animals from high-risk areas.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/183153/longdry-spell-expected-to-dampen-riceproduction#ixzz3LOszLhvI

DA sets new record in rice production

By Ian Ocampo Flora Sunday, December 7, 2014 CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) here has finally set a new record in palay crop production after it is now

near its target of 3, 743 540 million ton palay production exceeding its target of 3, 524, 558 metric tons.DA regional director Andrew Villacorta said that the record breaking production could be attributed to the good weather in Central Luzon for the later part of the year, stressing that the production gives a clear outlook on the real capacity of Central Luzon.

"This is part of what Central Luzon can produce provided that we have good weather and that all possible agriculture interventions are implemented," Villacorta said, adding part of this year's production has a great impact on the national production target.Villacorta said that Nueva Ecija contributes to a great portion of the region's performance with 318, 299 hectares used in the entire season with an accumulated production of 1.6 million metric tons followed

by Tarlac province with 585, 077 metric tons.

Pampanga is nearby with 419, 721 metric tons.

The DA said that Nueva Ecija's outstanding performance could be credited in to the use of hybrid and certified seeds in their palay production. Villacorta also stressed that the province's farmers have been active in using the latest technology and systems to further improve their productions.Villacorta also said that the region has set a new record in the average palay production with 5.22 metric tons per hectare compared with last year's 4.80 metric tons per hectare.

UPDATE 1-Philippines may seek up to 600,000 T rice imports after typhoon Sun Dec 7, 2014 11:58pm EST Initial crop losses from typhoon seen at around 20,000 T

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine * NFA releasing more stocks into typhoonhit areas * Fresh Philippine demand could support Asia rice prices (Adds comments from NFA chief) MANILA, Dec 8 (Reuters) - The Philippines' state grains agency said on Monday it will consider importing up to an additional 600,000 tonnes of rice to boost buffer stocks after Typhoon Hagupit damaged crops and prompted the release of emergency supplies.Crop losses this quarter from bad weather and a projected drop in first-quarter output next year have put the Philippines, one of the world's biggest rice buyers, under pressure to boost imports in order to maintain a healthy buffer stock in 2015.Fresh demand from the Philippines could support softening rice export prices in main suppliers Thailand and Vietnam.

A team at the National Food Authority (NFA) has recommended that a standing order to import 500,000 tonnes of rice in case of a natural disater should be increased by 100,000 tonnes, NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay told Reuters."We're seeking a meeting of the NFA Council to discuss the recommendation of the group in charge of computing our requirements," Dalisay said.The review would be carried out by a panel of Cabinet members, chaired by Food Security Secretary Francis Pangilinan.The Department of Agriculture said initial reports showed nearly 20,000 tonnes of

unmilled rice from standing crops had been damaged by strong winds and rains from Hagupit, which battered the Philippines over the weekend.

Dalisay said it was too early to give a timetable for any rice purchases or to say whether they would be made through tenders or government-to-government deals.The NFA bought more than 1.8 million tonnes from Vietnam and Thailand over the past 12 months, aggressively shoring up its buffer stocks while releasing more rice into local marketsto bring down retail prices that hit record highs in recent months.The agency was forced to import more, bringing in the biggest annual volume in four years, after its stocks were almost depleted due to relief efforts and crop losses following category-5 Super Typhoon Haiyan' wrath in November 2013.

Dalisay said the NFA began releasing more rice stocks from its warehouses last week to boost supply in areas expected to be hit by Hagupit, including Samar island provinces where the typhoon first hit on Saturday.The agency expects to release more stocks, with a number of local government officials in areas hit by the typhoon seeking additional NFA supply, he said.Any new shipments will be tariff-free and on top of an annual volume of up to 805,200 tonnes that the private sector can bring in. The annual volume attracts a tariff of 35 percent.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine (Reporting by Erik dela Cruz; Editing by Sunil Nair and Richard Pullin)

BAAC says payments under rice growers' assistance scheme halfway complete Sunday, 07 December 2014By NNT

BANGKOK, 6 December 2014 - The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has indicated that the assistance money scheme for rice growers is about halfway complete, with 2.25 million rice growers having already been paid.Supat Eauchai, executive vice president of the BAAC, revealed that the bank is currently making payments to about 100,000 rice growers per day, and is disbursing about 1.2 billion baht per day under the scheme. Up until Thursday, 23.8 billion baht has been paid to 2.25 million eligible rice growers.

He said the payment is about halfway done and almost all farmers will likely be paid by December 20, although this would not be the case for the South because the planting season arrives later than in other regions.

Source with thanks: http://www.pattayamail.com/business/baac-sayspayments-under-rice-growers-assistance-schemehalfway-complete-43459#sthash.2rVZlUdm.dpuf

problems being faced by rice growers and to suggest measures to check falling rice exports.

Labourers sit on top of a pile of rice sacks. — Reuters/File

The committee, to be headed by Sindh aAgriculture Minister Ali Nawaz Khan Mahar, has been also given the mandate to suggest ways and means for improving and enhancing rice cultivation.A delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap), headed by its chairman, Rafique Suleman, on Friday held a meeting with the

Sindh CM and apprised him of falling rice prices in the world market and its impact on country’s rice exports. The delegation members stressed the need for exploring Malaysian rice market as balance of trade is heavily tilted in favour of Malaysia from where palm oil is imported.They demanded that the government should discuss possibilities of exporting 200,000 tonnes of Pakistani rice to Malaysia.

Updated Dec 06, 2014 08:34am

Similarly, they pointed out that if proper negotiations are made, around 500,000 to 700,000 tonnes of non-Basmati rice could be exported to China. The exporters said they can fetch better price in Indonesia and Iran.The chief minister was also informed

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has formed a committee to look into

about rice exporters’ problem of power outages which result in closure of processing plants in Hawkesbay Industrial area.

Body set up to check falling rice exports The Newspaper's Staff Reporter

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2014

Boosting exports: Paris gets taste of traditional Pakistani rice

proposals.Services of a top French chef Alian Stril were acquired to serve Basmati rice. He prepared three different French dishes while traditional Pakistani dishes like Biryani, Zarda and Kheer made by Pakistani cooks were also presented.

By APP Published: December 6, 2014 Rice export from Pakistan to France was worth $31.72 million during January-September 2014.

STOCK IMAGE

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2014.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s embassy in Paris organised a rice exhibition in its premises on

Thursday in an effort to promote the country’s rice in the European nation.

The show was also aimed at facilitating meetings between Pakistani exporters and French importers for promoting rice export.Rice export from Pakistan to France was worth $31.72 million during JanuarySeptember 2014, most of which was consumed by the ethnic market.It was expected that the exhibition would help increase rice export, said a message received from Paris on Friday. number of French importers were invited to participate and meet Pakistani exporters, who were invited to Paris especially for the event.The embassy coordinated their meetings in order to have detailed discussions on business

Ghana to soon be a netexporter of rice Local rice production has seen a 60% increase in Ghana, President John Mahama has said, adding that the country may well be on its way to becoming a net exporter of rice.―We have seen an increase of rice production. Rice production in Ghana has increased by more than 60%,‖ he said at the 30th National Best Farmers Day Award ceremony at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western region Friday December 5, 2014.Ghana currently imports rice to the tune of US$500million every year. ―The last statistics was US$470million worth of rice,‖ the President decried as he urged Ghanaians to eat what they grow.

Apart from rice, US$1 billion of other produce which are produced in Ghana or can easily be produced in Ghana are also imported.

Meanwhile the country’s yearly exports hover around US$13 billion while its imports bill stands at about US$17 billion.The President said the development in local rice production means ―we are growing more local rice and you can see the attractiveness of the rice industry by the

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine investment that has started to be made by the private sector in this industry.‖ ―Several private sector business people have set up rice milling plants in various parts of the country and are buying locally produced rice and milling it not only for our local market but also for export.And it is my belief that if this trend continues, Ghana should become a net exporter of rice in the next few years,‖ President Mahama said.The President also revealed that Ghana has achieved self-sufficiency as far as maize production and other produce are concerned.―We have achieved self-sufficiency in maize production and indeed last year for the first time in many years we were able to export maize through the World Food Programme…

The World Food Programme bought some maize on the Ghanaian market for export to the Sahelian region where they have humanitarian programmes of food relief. We have achieve self-sufficiency in yam production. Indeed we are over-producing yam and we are an exporter of yam to Europe and other destinations. ―We have achieved self-sufficiency in cassava production and we are producing enough cassava to feed ourselves. We have achieved self-sufficiency in plantain production and plantain is available everywhere in this country.‖The President, however, said more needs to be done in vegetable production. ―One area we need to increase production is in the production of vegetables. Vegetables are easy to grow and it is something that we can take up.

There is no reason why we must continue to import vegetables from South Africa. Several of our supermarkets are receiving vegetables: carrots, onions, tomatoes and other such vegetables from South Africa. We must make it our vision to produce these vegetables locally and supply to these supermarkets.

―We have also invested in sugar production. As many of you are aware, just a few months ago, I cut the sod for the reconstruction of the Komenda Sugar Factory. And we are going to have an out-grower system that will feed the

factory with sugarcane and it is my hope that when that factory starts working it should be able to produce 50% of the sugar that we eat in this country,‖ he added.Mahama also said the Government is investing the poultry industry to make it more vibrant and viable. ―We also have extended assistance to the poultry sector. And major poultry enterprises are being given assistance from the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund, EDAIF, in order to expand their production of poultry.―At the same time we are reducing and restricting the import of poultry in order that we can give a chance to local poultry producers to have a fair access to our local market. So for those who are interested in poultry it is a business you can go into and make a lot of money.‖

Vietnam Donates Five Thousand Tons of Rice to Cuba Created on Saturday, 06 December 2014 12:26

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Tama単o letra:

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 6 (acn) Nguyen Huu Tri, Deputy Finance Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, announced the donation of five thousand tons of rice to Cuba, on behalf of the people and government of the Asian nation.The symbolic handover took place during a ceremony held in the Hall of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, also attended by Odalys Escandel and Felix Martinez, deputy Domestic Trade and Finance and Prices Ministers, respectively.The Vietnamese leader recalled the historic ties between the two countries, and said that his countrymen will not forget the courage of the Cuban officers and sailors to transport necessary goods during the war in his country.

Huu Tri said that cooperation for rice production in the Caribbean nation also includes 40 million dollars to boost efficiency and yields in the cultivation of rice.Odalys Escandel conveyed the gratitude of the people of the Caribbean island, and noted that Vietnam is an important trading partner for Cuba.Since last December 2 the Vietnamese delegation completes a busy schedule of work, including visits and exchanges of experiences with Ministry of Finance and the National Institute of State Reserve.

New strategy aimed at selling rice stocks Published: 8 Dec 2014 at 06.00 | Viewed: 711 | Comments: 1 Newspaper section: Business Writer: Phusadee Arunmas

A new roadmap will be submitted to the National Rice Policy Committee soon to facilitate and accelerate the disposal of the government's rice stocks. A committee source said it was expected to be implemented early next year."After the nationwide rice stock inspection has finished, authorities are now in the process of classifying rice grades, which is very difficult,'' the source said."This is because the state rice stocks in various warehouses nationwide are intermingled and mixed without a proper classification of the type of rice.

"The government is estimated to control 1819 million tonnes of rice accumulated from the rice pledging programme of the previous government.Deputy Commerce Minister Api radi Tantraporn said once authorities completed grading of the rice, selling would be easier, as they could sell stocks based on grade.The government is also committed to selling as much of the rice stocks as possible via government-to-government (G-to-G) contracts, she said, adding that several potential buyers including Hong Kong and Iraq were interested in the rice.The Foreign Trade Department earlier said the government expected to deliver 900,000 to 1 million tonnes of rice by year-end through G-to-G contracts.

Thailand has so far shipped more than 700,000 tonnes through G-to-G deals, mainly to China, Indonesia and the Philippines.Talks to sell more rice from state stocks are also under way with several African and Middle East countries.Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said the government would also call a new auction to sell rice stocks sometime this month, but the amount to be sold has not been disclosed.The Commerce Ministry held a third round of state rice auctions for 270,000 tonnes in

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine October, but results are not yet available.The ministry sold 140,000 tonnes in the first two auctions, raising 1.6 billion baht. After halting rice sales to carry out nationwide inspections, the government resumed sales of 167,000 tonnes on Aug 7.In the first 10 months, Thailand shipped 8.77 million tonnes of rice, fetching 140 billion baht.

Export volume rose by 62.4% year-on-year and value by 27%.

Ministry calls for rice stock selloff Published: 8 Dec 2014 at 06.00 Newspaper section: News Writer: Phusadee Arunmas

The Commerce Ministry plans to accelerate the sale of 17 million tonnes of stockpiled rice and recapture the Thai Hom Mali rice market in Hong Kong by next year. Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said yesterday the ministry hopes to regain Thailand's position as the No.1 Hom Mali rice exporter in Hong Kong after losing its market position to Vietnam due to the steep price of Thai rice this year.The ministry has proposed a rice sales framework for 2015 to be considered by the National Rice Policy and Management Committee.The framework would vary prices according to rice quality.

A different criterion will be applied to lowquality rice to quickly sell off the remaining stocks. It also proposes selling entire rice stockpiles to increase the efficiency of rice management.Of the 17 million tonnes of rice, 14 million are substandard, according to the Commerce Ministry. About 700,000 tonnes are rotten and 200,000 tonnes were lost.Only 10% is of good quality, according

to the National Rice Policy and Management Committee's report, Gen Chatchai said.The ministry will work with rice mill operators, rice exporters and rice growers to discuss "suitable" market prices to ensure a fair return for farmers.

The National Rice Policy and Management Committee backs ministry plans to sell 400,000 tonnes of rice this month. About 350,000 tonnes were sold previously.The ministry is drafting a plan to boost rice consumption.On Dec 18, Gen Chatchai and Agriculture Minister Pitipong Phuengboon Na Ayudhaya plan to inspect Hom Mali paddy fields in Yasothon to persuade local farmers to grow high-quality rice.Aside from rice strategy, the ministry is calling on Thailand to increase border trade ahead of the Asean Economic Community, fostering better agricultural product management and improving livelihoods.It is also encouraging trade with new overseas markets after successful negotiations with Turkey, Bahrain and Pakistan.

Ghana to soon be a netexporter of rice

Local rice production has seen a 60% increase in Ghana, President John Mahama has said, adding that the country may well be on its way to becoming a net exporter of rice.―We have seen an increase of rice production. Rice production in Ghana has increased by more than 60%,‖ he

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine said at the 30th National Best Farmers Day Award ceremony at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western region Friday December 5, 2014.Ghana currently imports rice to the tune of US$500million every year. ―The last statistics was US$470million worth of rice,‖ the President decried as he urged Ghanaians to eat what they grow.

Apart from rice, US$1 billion of other produce which are produced in Ghana or can easily be produced in Ghana are also imported.

Meanwhile the country’s yearly exports hover around US$13 billion while its imports bill stands at about US$17 billion.The President said the development in local rice production means ―we are growing more local rice and you can see the attractiveness of the rice industry by the investment that has started to be made by the private sector in this industry.‖―Several private sector business people have set up rice milling plants in various parts of the country and are buying locally produced rice and milling it not only for our local market but also for export.

―And it is my belief that if this trend continues, Ghana should become a net exporter of rice in the next few years,‖ President Mahama said.The President also revealed that Ghana has achieved self-sufficiency as far as maize production and other produce are concerned.―We have achieved self-sufficiency in maize production and indeed last year for the first time in many years we were able to export maize through the World Food Programme… The World Food Programme bought some maize on the Ghanaian market for export to the Sahelian region where they have humanitarian programmes of food relief. We have achieve self-sufficiency in yam production.

Indeed we are over-producing yam and we are an exporter of yam to Europe and other destinations.

―We have achieved self-sufficiency in cassava production and we are producing enough cassava to feed ourselves. We have achieved self-sufficiency in plantain production and plantain is available everywhere in this country.‖The President, however, said more needs to be done in vegetable production. ―One area we need to increase production is in the production of vegetables. Vegetables are easy to grow and it is something that we can take up.

There is no reason why we must continue to import vegetables from South Africa. Several of our supermarkets are receiving vegetables: carrots, onions, tomatoes and other such vegetables from South Africa. We must make it our vision to produce these vegetables locally and supply to these supermarkets.

―We have also invested in sugar production. As many of you are aware, just a few months ago, I cut the sod for the reconstruction of the Komenda Sugar Factory. And we are going to have an out-grower system that will feed the factory with sugarcane and it is my hope that when that factory starts working it should be able to produce 50% of the sugar that we eat in this country,‖ he added.Mahama also said the Government is investing the poultry industry to make it more vibrant and viable.

We also have extended assistance to the poultry sector. And major poultry enterprises are being given assistance from the Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund, EDAIF, in order to expand their production of poultry.―At the same time we are reducing and restricting the import of poultry in order that we can give a chance to local poultry producers to have a fair access to our local market. So for those who are interested in poultry it is a business you can go into and make a lot of money.‖

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Cuba News: "Vietnam Donates Five Thousand Tons of Rice to Cuba"

SIGNING OF MOU BOOSTS RICE PRODUCTION IN FIJI AGRICULTURE

BY ADMIN

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 6 (acn) Nguyen Huu Tri, Deputy Finance Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, announced the donation of five thousand tons of rice to Cuba, on behalf of the people and government of the Asian nation.The symbolic handover took place during a ceremony held in the Hall of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, also attended by Odalys Escandel and Felix Martinez, deputy Domestic Trade and Finance and Prices Ministers, respectively.

The Vietnamese leader recalled the historic ties between the two countries, and said that his countrymen will not forget the courage of the Cuban officers and sailors to transport necessary goods during the war in his country.Huu Tri said that cooperation for rice production in the Caribbean nation also includes 40 million dollars to boost efficiency and yields in the cultivation of rice.Odalys Escandel conveyed the gratitude of the people of the Caribbean island, and noted that Vietnam is an important trading partner for Cuba.Since last December 2 the Vietnamese delegation completes a busy schedule of work, including visits and exchanges of experiences with Ministry of Finance and the National Institute of State Reserve

SIGNING OF MOU BOOSTS RICE PRODUCTION IN FIJI AGRICULTURE

DECEMBER 8, 2014

Caption:China Shandong International Economic and Technical Operational Group Ltd.Photo:SUPPLIED.

A boost to the Rice Revitalization Programme in Fiji was earmarked with a recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Republic of the Government of China and the Fijian Government.The China Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Limited (CSI) in technical partnership with world known hybrid rice seeds company, Yuan Longping High –Tech Agriculture Company Limited will work together with the Ministry of Agriculture in producing more rice locally.Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary, Ropate Ligairi said the event was a milestone achievement to a vast project targeting the rice production in Fiji.

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Mr Ligairi said the Fijian Government is currently importing $40million of rice annually and this agreement is an opportunity for Fiji to reduce the import bill,‖ Mr Ligairi said.Mr Ligairi said that the rice commodity was chosen because it is an area which needs assistance in order to improve the livelihood of communities and help reduce the import of rice.He said that there were some parts of Fiji which are rice prone areas and are located in the economic depressed zones which are far from the markets.―There is a need to develop those zones and convert them into production and commercial areas in order to increase our local rice production.‖ This commodity he said can be kept for long after harvest and with the help of the new machineries and technologies, all activities concerning rice cultivation will be effective and efficient.Deputy manager for CSI, Wang Zenghe said within the agreement they will bring their machines, experts to train local farmers and staff as well as introducing new rice technology and high yield varieties.―We would like to see that rice production in Fiji is taken to another level. Currently, the average rice yield in Fiji is 2.5 tonnes per hectare. Through this project, they will demonstrate and train farmers and officers on the technologies to achieve higher yields from 5.0 to 8.0 tonnes per hectare or even more,‖ Mr Zenghe said.The approved $10million rice project commences from January 2015 until December 2016. The project identified operation areas are Dreketi Irrigation Project for 200 ha of rice land for extension and one [1] ha at Koronivia Research Station for rice seeds experiment and research.The Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Agriculture are both spearheading the project.

Arkansas Welcomes 2014 USA Rice Outlook Conference Opening ceremony in Little Rock (Steve Orlicek and Dow Brantley, second and third from left)

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- The 2014 USA Rice Outlook Conference opened last night, bringing together rice producers from all six major ricegrowing states and others from the U.S. industry for an educational program and trade show. The annual conference is the largest rice convention held in the United States.Among those participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony that opened the conference were Arkansas rice farmer and USA Rice Federation Chairman Dow Brantley and Chairman of the Arkansas Rice Council Steve Orlicek.

"Arkansas is honored to host this year's conference," said Brantley. "The support we've gotten from sponsors and exhibitors is overwhelming and we're excited to provide a venue for them to share their expertise and innovations."

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine

CEO Betsy Hutchinson

Ward

greets

Governor-elect

The conference educational program kicked off this morning with a host state welcome from Governor-Elect Asa Hutchinson who lauded rice farmers for their sustainability efforts, emphasizing the impressive gains rice farmers have made over the past twenty years in conservation of resources such as land, water, and energy.

"The governor-elect is clearly plugged in on rice issues and we look forward to working with his administration in the future," said USA Rice President and CEO Betsy Ward.

Today's program included conference regulars and favorites Jim Wiesemeyer on politics and Nathan Childs on crop outlook, as well as a learning session on the Farm Bill and crop insurance options.

2014 Rice Award Winners Recognized at Annual Awards Luncheon Horizon Ag's Tim Walker (r) congratulates Fred Zaunbrecher LITTLE ROCK, AR- - Winners of the 2014 Rice Awards were announced today at a luncheon in their honor. Awards are presented in the categories of farmer, industry and lifetime achievement. This year's winners are Fred Zaunbrecher, farmer of the year, Kent McKenzie, rice industry award winner and Marvin Baden, rice lifetime achievement award winner.

The afternoon program featured a panel discussion on conservation opportunities available to growers led by former Natural Resource Conservation Service Chief Dave White, an interactive session on the Texas A&M Farm Bill decision tool led by Dr. Joe Outlaw, and presentations by state research officials on developments and the outlook for each state.

The USA Rice Outlook Conference is an educational service of the USA Rice Federation.

Contact: Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

Fred Zaunbrecher is a fifth generation rice farmer from Duson, Louisiana who started helping out on the family farm when he was only nine years old. Together with his three brothers, Zaunbrecher operates GF&P Zaunbrecher Farms where they grow 2,000 acres

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine of rice. The Zaunbrechers are known for their interest in innovation, utilization of new technology, and collaboration with research scientists at the LSU AgCenter. Zaunbrecher is a graduate of the Rice Leadership Development Class, and currently serves as chairman of the USA Rice Council.

Rice Farming Editor Carroll Smith and Kent McKenzie

Kent McKenzie, Ph.D., is a native Californian who has worked in rice research in Arkansas, Louisiana, and California. McKenzie became the director the California Cooperative Rice Research Foundation (CCRRF) in 2000.

Through his research at CCRRF, he has developed several rice varieties like the premium medium grain M-402 that are still in production today. McKenzie is a member of several committees and research task forces for USA Rice.

director on the inaugural USA Rice Board of Directors and recently received the Rice Millers' Association Distinguished Service Award.

Dow Brantley (l) and Marvin Barden

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures CME Group (Preliminary): Closing Rough Rice Futures for December 8

Month

Price

Net Change

January 2015

$12.045

- $0.020

March 2015

$12.295

-$0.030

May 2015

$12.545

- $0.030

July 2015

$12.745

- $0.030

September 2015

$12.020

- $0.030

November 2015

$11.920

- $0.030

January 2016

$11.920

- $0.030

Marvin "Butch" Baden is a well deserving recipient of the Rice Lifetime Achievement award having worked in the rice industry for 56 years. Starting out as an office clerk, Baden eventually worked his way into a career in rice sales. His particular expertise is in the area of export sales and over the course of his career, he has logged over eight million miles traveling the world selling rice. Baden was elected as a

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Dr. Argelia Lorence of Arkansas State University is recognized for rice research

BY JOHNATHAN REAVES Dr. Argelia Lorence.

Last week, five leading researchers in the

research.―One of the molecules we focus on in my lab is Vitamin C,‖ stated Dr. Lorence. ―We have discovered that when we boost the amount of Vitamin C, plants become tolerant to many stresses. These stresses include drought, heat, cold, and other environmental stresses like that. In addition, they also grow bigger and faster. Over the last few years, we have been doing this research on plant models and now we are doing this research in rice. We are finding most of what we found in the model plants is also true in rice.‖ Dr. Lorince tells why she is interested in rice.

state were recognized by the Arkansas Research Alliance. The five people selected were named as ARA Fellows, and were awarded a plaque and $75,000 in research grant money, which will be dispersed over three years. Among those recognized was Dr. Argelia Lorence from Arkansas State University. She co-leads the Plant Imaging Consortium and leads research for the development of more resilient varieties of crops, such as rice. Dr. Lorence is a biochemist and she tells about her

―Rice is a very important plant all over the world. In terms of volume, rice is second only to wheat. It is important in Arkansas because the state leads the nation in rice production. We also have a competitive advantage in the state because we have the USDA Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. My laboratory collaborates with the center and it is great opportunity because of where they are located at.‖

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Daily Global Rice E-Newsletter by Riceplus Magazine Her research in this field started in 2002 when she was working at Virginia Tech. She says she has been working on this in Arkansas since 2005 and has had many graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral students assisting her in this research. She says that she is evaluating the best way to continue her research, especially now that she has the $75,000 research grant. Additionally, she is also a lead researcher on a separate project with Arkansas and Missouri researchers. She is the lead researcher for the Plant Imaging Consortium, a $6,000,000 project through the National Science Foundation. She tells why plant imaging is important.

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The Arkansas Research Alliance Fellows are Dr. Trace Peterson from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Dr. Laura James from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Alexandru Biris from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Dr. Alan Mantooth from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and Dr. Argelia Lorence from Arkansas State University.

Iran Stops Rice Imports Iran Accounts for a Third of Indian Basmati

―Imaging technologies are relevant because for many of the traits that are desirable for crops, we need to have good tools to detect the plants that have the properties we want,‖ said Lorence. ―These technologies the Plant Imaging Consortium in supporting go beyond the capacity of the human eyes. We have modern photographic tools that allow us to capture a lot more of the information about plant performance under certain conditions.‖ She tells what she hopes will be the results of the research.―Our intent is to learn a lot more about how these plants will respond to the stresses with the intent of using that knowledge to really develop varieties that are better suited for Arkansas and Missouri.‖Dr. Argelia Lorence is one of the Arkansas Research Alliance Fellows at Arkansas State University.

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Rice Exports

By BIMAN MUKHERJI And BENOÎT FAUCON HONG KONG—Iran has clamped down on imports of rice to protect the country’s farmers and reduce a stockpile, traders say, sending shivers through Asia because the Middle East is one of the region’s biggest export destinations.The move is especially painful for India, the world’s top rice exporter, as it has stepped up …

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