8th january,2015 daily global rice e newsletter by riceplusu magazine

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January 08, 2015 Volume 5, Issue I

Rice News Incentive Boost for Rice Millers

By Express News Service

Published: 09th January 2015 06:03 AM

Last Updated: 09th January 2015 06:03 AM

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has announced incentives to encourage rice millers in paddy procurement and export of surplus rice.While the Government exempted two per cent Central Sales Tax (CST) on inter-State trade of rice, the millers can reimburse two per cent market fee paid to regulated market committees on equivalent paddy traded outside the State.

According to rice millers, the waiver of CST will boost the trade of surplus rice in a transparent manner.The State Government has made a provision of `one crore for reimbursement of market fee to the millers.

The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has requested district Collectors to ensure that levy rice due from millers is collected before they dispose of any stock in the open market. The millers are required to deliver 25 per cent of levy rice to the Food Corporation of India out of the paddy procured by them from mandis or directly from farmers.With the exemption of CST and market fee, the Odisha traders will be able to compete with traders of other States. Odisha being a rice surplus State, millers can sell the surplus rice to registered dealers through fair means, official sources said.

Neighbouring States like West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar have

already allowed free trade of rice.The State was at a disadvantage due to the prevalent tax structure. As surplus rice could not be moved out of the State, Odisha was facing acute shortage of storage space.For paddy procurement under levy route, the millers have to pay the entire cost. The Government, however, debarred defaulting rice millers from taking part in the paddy procurement process.As per procurement guidelines for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2014-15, the millers can participate in procurement process only if they have delivered 100 per cent custom milled rice for the paddy taken by them during 201314.In order to implement the decisions, the Government has decided to have a facility to store paddy on temporary basis. It has decided to store 10 lakh tonne of paddy during KMS 2014-15 in CAP (cover and plinth) storage locations under the open sky. http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/I ncentive-Boost-for-RiceMillers/2015/01/09/article2610950.ece

Exporters contract one million tons of rice this year Member enterprises of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) have already clinched export contracts for at least one million tons of rice with delivery scheduled for this year.

Most of the volume will be delivered to customers this year based on the contracts that VFA’s member enterprises signed with

importers last year. The volume is 200,000 tons higher than the same period last year.Huynh The Nang, general director of Vietnam Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2), however, said local rice exporters might face many more difficulties this year.The demand for rice of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia is forecast to jump, but Vietnam will have to compete with Thailand, which wants to reduce its huge rice stockpiles.China, a major importer of Vietnamese rice in recent years, is said to have inked a memorandum of understanding to purchase two million tons of rice from Thailand this year.

However, Nguyen Dinh Bich, an expert in the rice industry in Vietnam, has cast doubt on the news, saying Thailand reportedly sold two million tons of rice to China in 2013 but the real volume was only 300,000 tons.Concerns have risen among domestic rice exporters for tougher competition from India and Pakistan as these two nations have cut prices of their low and medium-grade rice to compete with similar products of Vietnam.Currently, India and Pakistan sell 5% broken rice at US$385-395 per ton and US$380-390 per ton respectively, compared to US$380-390 per ton for Vietnam’s same type. Their 25% broken rice is priced at US$350-360 per ton and US$335-345 per ton compared to US$350-360 per ton of Vietnam.

According to VFA, Vietnam had exported 5.96 million tons of rice from January 1 to December 18 last year, falling 11% against the previous year. Up to 83% of the volume was shipped to Asian and African countries and the rest to America, Europe and Oceania.Last year, Vietnam’s FOB rice export prices averaged US$439 per ton, inching up 2% per ton against 2013. The price of low-grade rice slightly increased while that of 5% broken rice decreased 4-5% from the year’s beginning to US$393 per ton at the end of last year.To order to boost rice shipments this year, the Ministry of Industry and Trade suggested rice exporters diversify markets, and seek to make full use of the opportunities from bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and follow updates on importing markets.The ministry also urged VFA and relevant agencies to enhance the quality of

Vietnamese rice and help local rice exporters cope with challenges.

SGT Tags:rice export,

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/12061 7/exporters-contract-one-million-tons-of-ricethis-year.html

Thailand off-season rice crop to fall 30 pct on yr as drought hits Source: Reuters - Thu, 8 Jan 2015 10:17 GMT Author: Reuters A worker drives a tractor to scoop rice grains at a mill in Suphan Buri province, about 65.2 miles (105 km) north of Bangkok October 28, 2014.

REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

BANGKOK, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Drought will cut major rice exporter Thailand's 2015 off-season crop by over 30 percent, according to the latest report from the Office of Agricultural Economics.Thailand is one of the world's top three rice exporters but the smaller harvest is unlikely to have a big impact on global prices, which are under pressure from still large stockpiles in Thailand and bumper output in rival exporters India and Vietnam.The expected decline in production, however, could provide a floor under the local market <RI-THBKN5-P1>, where prices slid 5 percent in the last quarter.

Thailand's off-season rice is grown between November and April after the main crop is harvested. The second crop needs irrigation as there is little rain during that period.But Thailand is experiencing drought in eight provinces, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, and the government has said it would not provide water for rice farming along the length of the Chao Phraya river from October through April.The Chao Phraya, Thailand's main river, flows south through the fertile central rice-growing region and on to Bangkok.Thailand will produce around 6.7 million tonnes of off-season rice this year compared to 9.7 million tonnes in the previous year, the ministry said.

"We don't see a big impact because Thailand has to compete with other exporters," said a Singapore-based trader. "One benefit is that lower production will be less of a headache for the Thai government."Thailand's military government is still trying to sell off stockpiles bought under the previous government's ricebuying scheme that paid farmers well above market rates for their rice.Thailand's legislature begins a hearing against ousted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday over the rice subsidy scheme that critics denounced as a wasteful handout to her supporters.If found guilty, she could be banned from politics for five years.Thailand was expected to surpass Vietnam and India last year to regain the rank of largest rice exporter, with 10.2 million tonnes to be shipped, compared with India's 10 million tonnes, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

India toppled Thailand three years ago to become the world's top rice exporter as the government intervention scheme priced Thai rice out of the export market and as Delhi lifted a four-year ban on non-basmati rice sales in 2011 to trim stocks. (Reporting by Kaweewit Kaewjinda and Panarat Thepgumpanat, with

additional reporting by Naveen Thukral in SINGAPORE; Editing by Simon Webb, Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Tom Hogue) We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. For more information see our Acceptable Use Policy.

http://www.trust.org/item/20150108101514597s8

India, Pakistan spar over GI tag for Basmati rice By: Sajan C Kumar | Chennai | January 8, 2015 12:36 am

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight to protect its iconic Basmati rice outside the country, especially in Pakistan, would be in jeopardy if it does not get the geographical indicator (GI) tag in its own country without further delay, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) has argued.Basmati rice growers in Pakistan reportedly have Basmati GI tag partially registered in their country and a litigation was going on in a Pakistan court between them and Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Apeda over the GI tag given to Basmati rice from Pakistan.In India, the application for GI tag for Basmati rice has been mired in legal tangle with Madhya Pradesh government upping the ante against

the Apeda’s move to register GI tag without

bench of Justice KN Basha, chairman and

including the state.

Sanjeev Kumar Chaswal, technical member, adjourned the matter to February last week.

The ongoing litigation in bodies such as GI Registry and Intellectual Property Appellate

The Bhopal-based New Darpan Social

Board (IPAB) has taken a long time and was

Welfare Society had filed an implead

threatening to weaken the case, as close to

application, seeking to be included as a party

700 to 800 proceedings are pending across

to the proceedings.The Lahore-based BGA

various countries. In IPAB too, Pakistan’s

had also moved IPAB in appeal against the

Basmati Growers’ Association (BGA) has

order of the assistant registrar of GI Registry

appealed against granting of GI tag to Indian

that ordered inclusion of Madhya Pradesh in

Basmati

Union

the amended application by Apeda. BGA

commerce ministry, told the IPAB bench

had also opposed granting of GI tag to

that the delay in the proceedings was

Indian Basmati rice in totality.BGA had

hampering

of

submitted that Basmati is a name for a

protecting the rice variety as Pakistan has

slender, aromatic and long grain variety of

moved the GI dispute tribunal against

rice grown in the specific geographical area

granting of GI tag to Basmati rice, arguing

at the foothills of the Himalayas in Pakistan.

rice.Apeda,

the

under

country’s

the

prospects

that those historical geographies of Basmati rice producing areas, are now part of

It further argued in the appeal that only the

Pakistan.When the case came up at IPAB,

rice grown in certain areas of Punjab in

the counsel for Apeda requested for an early

Pakistan, where the rice kernels are grown

hearing in the case as they are in a hurry to

on conventional rice lands and they interact

get the final order.

with the environment, atmosphere, soil and climate to yield exquisite rice can be called

―We have to first get the GI tag for Basmati

Basmati in the true sense.The counsel for

rice in India, so that we can effectively

BGA told FE that they have also appealed

counter Pakistan and other countries who are

against the inclusion of Madhya Pradesh in

throwing challenges against our Basmati

the areas for registration of GI tag for

rice variety,‖ the counsel said.After hearing

Basmati in India.

Apeda,

Pakistan

Basmati

Growers

Association, Madhya Pradesh government,

Apeda had filed an application with the GI

the farmers and a new organisation, who

Registry to register the name Basmati for

wanted to implead in the case, the IPAB

rice covering Punjab, Haryana, Delhi,

Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and part of

The United States, China and other rice-

Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, omitting the state of Madhya Pradesh, triggering protest from the farmers from the state as well as opposition from the state government.They informed the assistant registrar of the GI Registry that the noninclusion of Madhya Pradesh in the Basmati growing area would have an adverse affect on the lives of farmers who are mainly depending upon Basmati cultivation and its exports.

Accordingly, GI Registry, asked Apeda to amend its application for GI registration of Basmati rice to include the uncovered area,

exporting countries are opposing South Korea's move to levy a 513 percent tariff on imported rice, saying the rate is too high.Korea Times reported that the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, contends that the U.S., China, Australia, Thailand and Vietnam objections filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO) about the nation's new tariff rate on rice imports is not appropriate.

including certain area in Madhya Pradesh.

Against this, Apeda has approached IPAB with an appeal against the order of assistant registrar of the GI Registry, issued on December 31, 2013, which allowed the opposition by various parties, including the department

of

farmer

welfare

and

agriculture development of MP, Madhya Kshetra

Basmati

Growers

Association

Samiti based in Raisen district among others against the application of Apeda.

Opposition to South Korea's 513% rice tariff

By Rich Keller, Editor, Ag Professional January 08, 2015 | 11:30 am EST

"The five rice-exporting countries filed a complaint with the WTO against our 513 percent tariff," said Kim Kyung-mee, director of the ministry's agriculture trade division. "They claimed the way we calculated the rate was incorrect. But what they really want to say is the 513 percent rate is too high."The news reporter, Lee Hyo-sik, noted for the past 20 years, South Korea, as Asia's fourth-largest economy, imported a certain amount of rice every year under the minimum market access (MMA) program, in exchange for a waiver. In 2014, the nation was obliged to import 408,700 tons of rice, about 10 percent of its annual rice consumption of 4.1 million tons. To delay the opening of the rice market, Korea would have to increase the MMA quota this year.

Without objections, the WTO would issue a certificate allowing South Korea to levy the tariff, but with objections to receive WTO

approval, Korea will be negotiating with the five countries.

Those negotiations notoriously have taken years; it was 57 months for Taiwan negotiations to liberalize its rice markets, according to Hyosik.Meanwhile, the tariff went into effect January 1 and will stay in place, according to government directors.Even after all the negotiations with Taiwan, Hyo-sik reports, the country’s tariff was 563 percent, and Japan’s tariff is the highest at 1,066 percent.

Vietnam sets new rice export price to meet Philippines 0.18m import demand

Chi Minh City.The 5-percent broken rice was quoted this week at $380-$390 a ton, FOB basis, widening from $385-$390 per ton quoted before the New Year holidays, while buyers were still absent and stocks remained low, traders said.The Philippines, Vietnam’s second-biggest rice buyer in 2014 after China, is expected to import between 1.5 million and 2 million tons from Vietnam this year, the Customs Department news.

Tests on Fukushima Rice Finally Show Safe Results

by Lizabeth Paulat January 8, 2015 10:00 am

Reported by: `Customs Today Report January 8, 2015

MANILA: To meet Philippines private traders’ rice import demand of 187,000 tonnes, the world’s third-largest rice exporter Vietnam has set export prices in preparation to meet an import demand.Last month, the Philippines’ state grains procurement agency allowed private traders to import 187,000 tons of rice. Exporters must sell the 5percent broken rice to Philippine importers at $385 a ton, free-on-board Saigon Port, industry body the Vietnam Food Association.

The floors are $375 a tone for the 10-percent broken grade and $365 a tone for the 15-percent broken grade, the statement said. All the prices are valid between Jan. 1-31.―The export prices for the Philippines now are lower than the previous floor, so it could be the new benchmark for other orders,‖ said a Vietnamese trader in Ho

It has taken three years, but rice growing near the Fukushima nuclear plant has now tested safely for consumption. The Fukushima disaster in 2011 caused international concern over food safety and water contamination when a tsunami pounded into the nuclear facility and unleashed toxic radiation.For reference, the government’s limit on safe amounts of radiation is 100 becquerels per kilogram. The areas affected by the disaster were the farming communities of Fukushima, Iwate, Tochigi, Gunma, Chiba, Miyagi and Ibaraki.

During the period after the disaster, items like bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, beef and rye were all testing far outside of the accepted range. Mushrooms ranged from 150-350 becquerels, while beef was around 772 becquerels per kilogram.The danger of exporting food from a nuclear disaster site set off long range economic problems for Japan’s farmers and fears from consumers all over the world. In Japan, 44% of people said they’d avoid radioactive foods, with 22% preferring stricter government control. Citizen fears are not unfounded. In response to the nuclear disaster, Japan actually raised its limits of acceptable radiation exposure to 20x higher than what’s considered safe in the United States. Many felt this was Japan’s way of mitigating a PR crisis.

Yet across the Pacific, the West Coast of the United States also worried about how the spread of radioactivity might impact their fish and agriculture. Such fears prompted residents in California to pass measures to improve the testing of marine life off their shores.Although scientists tried to calm fears, telling residents that the levels of radioactivity in water that reached the West Coast would be far below international acceptable standards, it did little to pacify concerns.

So it is no doubt that in this atmosphere of fear and apprehension, farmers and Japanese officials are breathing easier with the study results. More than 360,000 tons of rice were tested in the study. However, it seems the evidence has yet to be corroborated by outside sources, and that’s still causing some hesitation. Many around the world wanted the UN to oversee or take over clean up in Fukushima, citing distrust of the government.This was also true for the Koreans.

Reports of groundwater seepage from the nuclear facility prompted South Korea to ban imports from the region in 2013. Although the Korean scientists are expected to come back again within the month and consider lifting the ban, many still harbor concerns over importing the rice.It’s a difficult challenge for farmers, who have undoubtedly suffered some of the largest economic losses in the disaster. Many toiled on organic farms that have been ravaged by nuclear waste. One farmer, Toraaki Ogata, told the North Queensland Resister, ―All I can do is pray there will be no radiation…It’s not our fault at all, but the land of our ancestors has been defiled.‖While the Japanese government assigned about $1.3 billion for decontamination methods in these zones, it has been a slow moving process to get clean rice.

However, it is one that Tsuneaki Oonami claims has been done right. Oonami, a Fukushima official, told reporters that, ―The fact that the amount of rice that does not pass our checks has steadily reduced in the last three years indicates that we’re taking the right steps.‖ And for the sake of the farmers, the environment and international trade, this has been welcome news. http://www.care2.com/causes/tests-on-fukushimarice-finally-show-saferesults.html#ixzz3OMsgvw5Z

Nigeria: Addressing Bottlenecks in Rice SelfSufficiency Plan ANALYSIS

By Femi Adekoya

reforms and fiscal investments.The reforms include the deregulation of seed and fertilizer markets and the setup of private sector marketing corporations to help coordinate the market and set grades and standards.

To make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production by 2015, a timeline presently under review, government embarked upon an ambitious plan through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, to address the perceived threat that increasing volumes of milled rice imports into Nigeria are displacing local production potential. Although, a complete embargo is yet to be placed on the importation of the commodity, there are concerns that preferential treatments to stakeholders may be threatening government's backward integration plan in the sector. FEMI ADEKOYA examines the issues of sufficiency of policies under the plan and the potential to improve quality and competitiveness of domestic rice product in the markets.

FOR the first time in a while, the nation is beginning to give due attention to the non-oil sector, especially the agro-allied sector, considering the dwindling revenue profile from global crude oil sale.Imposition of tariffs on commodities in some cases in a bid to protect growth of local industries and sectors with huge potential has been the trend under the backward integration policy to aid the transformation agenda I the agricultural sector.

For instance, the tariffs are intended to protect the domestic rice sector while it undergoes improvements in paddy production, processing, and marketing with support of public sector

Similarly, innovative financing mechanisms for supplying credit are also being pursued while significant fiscal investments are being poured into establishing staple crop processing zones (SCPZs) that are intended to encourage the clustering of food processing industries in proximity to raw materials and end markets.However, recent activities have shown that the Federal Government's backward integration plan for the rice industry may suffer a major setback if key issues of discretionary approval of waivers and unrealistic supply gap are not addressed.

For instance, emerging facts show that the country may continue to lose at least N20 billion to smugglers of the commodity and another N20 billion to discretionary concessions and waivers, especially to non-committed stakeholders under the scheme.

With at least $183.6 million enjoyed in bonds, there are questions bordering on the sincerity of government under the backward integration plan, considering the fact that investors who have only expressed interests enjoy higher imports than those who have remain committed to the plan, especially now that some of them are already trading the import quotas at higher prices to interested importers.Findings by The Guardian have shown that the Federal Government through the indiscriminate granting of waivers under the backward integration plan may be promoting activities of smugglers while putting the rice policy under threat.

Documents obtained and investigations by The Guardian showed that indiscriminate approach of the Federal Government in granting waivers

and import allocation quotas to investors who have no investments in the industry, either in form of paddy or rice milling may be a dysfunctional approach to the backward integration plan in the sector.According to the list of beneficiaries of the preferential import quotas, quantities of rice imports approved and corresponding size of performance bond to be submitted shows that of the 28 beneficiaries, only 16 have mills, while the remaining 12 have no mills and account for higher imports than millers.

Investigations also show that many of the investors who got import allocation quotas are already trading it to interested stakeholders at between 60 to 80 per cent levy having got the same at 20 per cent levy.Specifically, documents obtained showed that investors who have only submitted expression of interests without commensurable form of investments in the sector, may be enjoying waivers amounting to at least N20 billion under the exercise.

United States due to a prevailing trade agreement signed by both parties.ANINSA President, Eduardo Rojas, said imported rice was endangering more than 1,000 Costa Rican farmers.

The increase in the tariff will improve internal productivity of the country and allow rice to be sold at more affordable prices for Costa Ricans. ―The WTO allows the country to use such instruments so that we can organize internally and improve production,‖ Rojas said.The owner of Canas de Guanacaste, Fabián Chacón, was pleased with the announcement released Thursday because he believes that this way the grain stays in-country, unlike many other products.―You want to restore food security in this country. Corn and beans have practically disappeared from production. The last one on the table is rice and it’s being seriously threatened by imports,‖ voiced Chacón.

Meanwhile, another domestic producer of rice, Alex Rojas, said the increase in the tariff will ensure a healthy competition between rice suppliers.―This move comes at the right time because opportunists importers from Uruguay recently surfaced who were cheap that what we could compete with,‖ he added.Moreover, the MEIC is analyzing a further proposal to reduce the price of rice by 4%. This negotiation will be

http://allafrica.com/stories/201501071281.html

New Imported Rice Tax Increase Actually Lowers Prices While Strengthening Domestic Producers in Costa Rica

resolved in the coming weeks. (Amelia Rueda)

By TCRN on January 8, 2015 in Business

The Costa Rica News (TCRN) The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Domestic Costa Rican rice producers are applauding the government’s decision to increase tariffs from 35% to 62.06% on imported milled grain, a measure that will benefit both consumers and domestic suppliers.The safeguard proposed by the National Association of Rice Manufacturers (ANINSA) and adopted by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade (MEIC) will be in effect for four years, and excludes milled rice from Central America and the

San Jose, Costa Rica

http://thecostaricanews.com/new-imported-ricetax-increase-actually-lowers-prices-whilestrengthening-domestic-producers-in-costa-rica

Vietnam clinches one million tonnes of rice deal in 2015 Friday, 09 January 2015 03:51

Member enterprises of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) have already clinched export contracts for at least one million tonnes of rice with delivery scheduled for this year The volume is 200,000 tonnes higher than the same period last year. (Image source: IRRI) According to VietnamNet, most of the volume would be delivered to customers in 2015, based on the contracts that VFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s member enterprises signed with importers last year.The volume is 200,000 tonnes higher than the same period last year.

Huynh The Nang, general director of Vietnam Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2), however, said local rice exporters might face many more difficulties this year.The rice demand of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia is forecast to jump, but Vietnam would have to compete with Thailand, which wants to reduce its huge rice stockpiles, The Nang added.China, a major importer of Vietnamese rice in recent years, has signed an MoU to purchase two million tonnes of rice from Thailand in 2015.Concerns have also risen among domestic rice exporters for tougher competition from India and Pakistan as these two nations have cut prices of their low and medium-grade rice to compete with similar products of Vietnam.Currently, India and Pakistan sell five per cent broken rice at US$385-395 per tonne and US$380-390 per tonne respectively, compared to US$380390 per tonne for Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s same type.

Their 25 per cent broken rice is priced at US$350-360 per tonne and US$335-345 per

tonne compared to US$350-360 per tonne of Vietnam.According to VFA, Vietnam had exported 5.96mn tons of rice from 1 January to 18 December 2014, falling 11 per cent against the previous year. Up to 83 per cent was shipped to Asian and African countries and the rest to America, Europe and Oceania.In order to boost rice shipments this year, Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Industry and Trade suggested rice exporters diversify markets and seek to make full use of the opportunities from bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and follow updates on importing markets. http://www.fareasternagriculture.com/crops/agri culture/vietnam-clinches-one-million-tonnes-ofrice-deal-in-2015

Why Nigeria still import rice- Group

By Adesanya Alao January 8, 2015 20:36:22pm GMT |

farm

WorldStage Newsonline-- The Chairman, Rice Processors Association of Nigeria, Mohammed Abubakar, said Thursday explained why Nigeria still import rice, saying it does not produce enough paddies to meet the demand to attain self sufficiency.Speaking in Abuja at a press conference organised by the Nigeria Rice Investors Group, he said that although the total amount of rice produced locally was about 2.5 million to three million tons, only about 800,000 tons were processed annually by integrated rice millers, adding that Nigeria has only 24 integrated rice millers.Rice produced by integrated rice millers are cleaner than those produced by remote rice farmers.

According to Abubakar, Nigeria consumes over five million tons of rice annually.He noted that investors were intensifying efforts in the production of paddy rice in other to end importation, adding that in three years Nigeria will end rice importation.Abubakar said, ―We have the capacity to process 800,000 tons. But that is not for all the places you expect rice production in Nigeria. But we are growing because we have a growing population. The total production that we have has not exceeded 2.5 million to three million tons. That's why there is a room for importation.―We have a long way to go. That is why we are advocating that you, me, and everybody should come and join the centre so that we can produce more paddies which will translate to more rice and eventually translate into stopping importation of rice into Nigeria. ―Almost all the investors are going back to the production of paddy. That means maybe by two or three years, the issue of import will come to rest. The issue of policy change, policy summersault will come to rest because we will have enough paddies that we can process and use to feed our country.‖Earlier in his address, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Former Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoaaka,

said no government gave attention to the rice value chain as the present administration.

He said, ―As the chairman of a company that is involved in local rice production and also a key government official in the past, I can assure you that in recent times, I can vow and say no government has given attention to agriculture as this present government. The revolution put in place by this government is capable of creating jobs and stemming the rising unemployment in the country.―People should take advantage of locally produced rice because if you buy one bag of local rice, you are helping the farmers. If we mill one bag, the bulk of money goes directly to the farmers. That is why the President has vowed to support local farmers through out the country.‖ The President, Nigeria Rice Investors Group, Mr. Tunji Owoeye, stated that although there were challenges in the rice sector, businesses in the industry were doing better presently than before.He said, ―We are not politicians but businessmen. I can assure you that businesses and even farmers in this sector are doing well now compared to what is used to be in past.

However, that does not mean that we don’t have challenges, we have a lot of them, but we are making progress.‖ http://worldstagegroup.com/index.php?active=n ews&newscid=19924&catid=36

Iran ban, Iraq duty hike to take a toll on rice exporters Sutanuka Ghosal, ET Bureau Jan 6, 2015, 12.35PM IST Tags:rice|Iraq|Iran|Gurdaspur Overseas|basmati rice|All India Exporters' Association

Rice

KOLKA TA: India's ric e exporte rs may end the current fiscal on a damp note as Iraq has doubled the import duty to 40%, while Iran has clamped an outright ban at a time when price realisation has slipped 1520% in overseas markets.A senior official of All India Rice Exporters' Association(AIREA) told ET that traders are currently shipping only rice consignments with permits of last year to Iran. "We are hoping that Iran will lift the ban. We are planning to send a delegation to Iran in early February to sort out the issue," said the official, requesting not to be named.

The official added that the sudden increase in import duty by Iraq has come as a major blow and it is bound to impact exports to the country.According to an estimate by exporters, basmati shipments are likely to come down to 35 lakh tonne from 37 lakh tonne in the previous year.Iran has barred rice from other countries as its local crop is reported to be good this year and is set to arrive in the market there.The country imported over 12.5 lakh tonne of rice during April-July 2014, compared with 14.5 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period.In the past two years, Iran has bought over 2.5 million tonne of basmati rice from India.

The average price realisation has declined to $800-1,100 per tonne from $1,0001,300 per tonne last year.Exports of basmati rice in the first seven months of the current fiscal declined over 8% to 19.36 lakh tonne from

21.13 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period.

However, exports of non-basmati rice between April and October 2014 stayed almost the same as in the previous year, at about 4.2 lakh tonne.The lacklustre export demand of basmati rice has pushed down prices in the domestic market as well, with farmers getting Rs 3,200 per quintal for Pusa 1121 crop, compared with Rs 4,100 last year.Retail prices of basmati rice may fall further in the domestic market if exports slump, said Bal Krishna Mittal, managing director of Gurdaspur Overseas, which deals in basmati rice.Output of basmati rice in the kharif, or summer, season in 2014 was robust at about 81 lakh tonnes, up from 66 lakh tonnes in the previous year. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/20 15-01-06/news/57747960_1_basmati-shipmentsbasmati-rice-india-rice-exporters

Gluten-Free Ramen, Pullet Eggs and More

By FLORENCE FABRICANTJAN. 7, 2014

CreditRuth Fremson/The New York Times Continue reading the main story

Continue reading the main storyShare This Page To Indulge: Sweet Canelés for All Tastes

Céline Legros has been making her tiny but elegant canelés from Bordeaux, fluted cakes with a dark caramelized crust, for private events and selling them online for a couple of years.

Now the lawyer turned baker has opened a shop for her bite-size sweet and savory canelés. She said that when specializing in only one thing, ―you need variation.‖ Her sweet canelés come in a dozen flavors, including rum, pistachio, caramel, chocolate and orange. The savory ones, ideal for hors d’oeuvres, are chorizo, basil-pesto, truffle and Parmesan. She also sells miniature financier cakes. All are much smaller than the ones made by other French bakeries. ―I noticed how there was a trend for minis in New York,‖ she said: Starting at $4.90 for three at Canelé by Celine, 400 East 82nd Street, 646-678-4124, canelebyceline.com.

Photo

CreditTony Cenicola/The New York Times To Slurp: Gluten-Free Ramen, Noise Not Included

The delectable enjoyment of slurping a bowl of ramen has been mostly out of bounds for those whose diets are gluten-free. But now Lotus Foods, a California company that specializes in exotic rice, has introduced rice-based gluten-free ramen with earthy, nutty flavors that are enjoyable even for those who do not avoid gluten. There are three varieties, each based on a different type and color of rice: Jade Pearl, a green organic rice ramen infused with leaves and stems of edible bamboo; black Forbidden Rice ramen; and a toasty-toned ramen of millet and brown rice: Lotus Foods Rice Ramen is $6.59 for four cakes, $35.54 for six packages; also sold with miso soup mix, lotusfoods.com.

Photo

CreditLauren DeCicca for The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/08/dining/glut en-free-ramen-pullet-eggs-and-more.html?_r=0

Vietnam sets rice export prices for Philippine demand Reuters Posted at 01/07/2015 5:59 PM | Updated as of 01/07/2015 6:13 PM HANOI - Vietnam, the world's third-largest rice exporter, has set export prices in

preparation to meet an import demand of 187,000 tonnes by Philippine private traders, which may lead to lower price levels in early 2015, traders said on Wednesday.Last month, the Philippines' state grains procurement agency allowed private traders to import 187,000 tonnes of rice and said shipments must arrive on or before Feb. 28.Exporters must sell the 5-percent broken rice to Philippine importers at $385 a tonne, free-on-board Saigon Port, industry body the Vietnam Food Association said in a Dec. 31 statement seen by Reuters on Wednesday.The floors are $375 a tonne for the 10-percent broken grade and $365 a tonne for the 15-percent broken grade, the statement said. All the prices are valid between Jan. 1-31.

Previously, the association set the export price floor for the 25-percent broken variety at $380 a tonne as of Nov. 25, 2014."The export prices for the Philippines now are lower than the previous floor, so it could be the new benchmark for other orders," said a Vietnamese trader in Ho Chi Minh City.The 5-percent broken rice was quoted this week at $380-$390 a tonne, FOB basis, widening from $385-$390 per tonne quoted before the New Year holidays, while buyers were still absent and stocks remained low, traders said.Vietnam could export 7 million tonnes to 7.5 million tonnes of rice this year, mainly to China and Southeast Asian countries, after shipping around 7.5 million tonnes in 2014, a state-run online news site said, citing industry targets.The Philippines, Vietnam's second-biggest rice buyer in 2014 after China, is expected to import between 1.5 million and 2 million tonnes from Vietnam this year, the Customs Department news site said, citing Vietnam Food Association projections.

http://www.abscbnnews.com/business/01/07/15/vietnam-setsrice-export-prices-philippine-demand

USA Rice and Cuba Getting Closer Governor Nixon (l) and Secretary Vilsack WASHINGTON, DC -- The USA Rice Federation has joined with more than 25 prominent U.S. food and agriculture associations and companies to form a coalition that seeks to advance trade relations between the United States and Cuba. The U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) formally launched at an event here today that was attended by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress, and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.

The purpose of the USACC is to re-establish Cuba as a market for U.S. food and agriculture exports and address liberalizing trade between the United States and Cuba. The coalition will work to end the embargo and allow for open trade and investment, and coming just a few weeks after President Obama's announcement of a major policy shift on Cuba, is well-timed.

"President Obama's new policies on Cuba aim to expand opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers, expand choices for the Cuban people, and create new customers for us," Secretary Vilsack said.

"We know the Cuban market for rice is not theoretical. It is real, it is large, and it is compelling," said Betsy Ward, President and CEO of USA Rice, who also spoke at the event.

"With rice imports valued at more than $300 million, Cuba is the second largest importer of rice in the Americas. And there was a time

when Cuba was our number one export market we look forward to a return to those days."

"All we need is an open door, the hard working farmers will do the rest," said Governor Nixon.

"Given the opportunity to compete, America's farmers will win."

"We applaud the Obama Administration for their recent actions, and ask our leaders in Congress to normalize trade with this nation that we believe will once again become a major market for U.S. rice," Ward said. "Open trade with Cuba would be an enormous boon for U.S. rice farmers, and we look forward to working with the Cuban rice industry so together we may supply the Cuban people with high-quality, delicious rice."

CEO Betsy Ward meets the press The U.S. rice industry has been advocating for open trade and travel with Cuba since the mid 1990's and was the first U.S. commodity back in Cuba in 2001, exhibiting at the Havana Trade Fair, which led to the first U.S. rice sale to Cuba in more than 40 years.Throughout the last decade, USA Rice has sponsored numerous trade missions, led and participated in many forums, here and in Cuba, and participated in eight Havana International Fairs. Consequently, by 2004, U.S. rice sales to Cuba were valued at $64 million. However, U.S. government policy changes reversed that trend, and by 2009 sales fell to zero, where they remain.

Contact: Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

USA Rice Federation

Weekly Rice Sales, Exports Reported WASHINGTON, DC -- Net rice sales of 28,600 MT for 2014/2015 were up noticeably from the previous week, but down 53 percent from the prior four-week average, according to today's Export Sales Highlights report. Increases were reported for Haiti (9,500 MT), unknown destinations (6,000 MT), Turkey (2,600 MT), Saudi Arabia (2,500 MT), and Jordan (2,400 MT). Decreases were reported for Iraq (600 MT).

Exports of 50,500 MT were down 45 percent from the previous week and 34 percent from the prior four-week average. The primary destinations were Turkey (28,100 MT), Haiti

(10,500 MT), Mexico (4,400 MT), Canada (3,300 MT), and Jordan (1,700 MT).

This summary is based on reports from exporters from the period December 26-January 1.

USA Rice Federation

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for January 8

Month

Price

Net Change

January 2015

$11.295

- $0.115

March 2015

$11.525

- $0.125

May 2015

$11.755

- $0.115

July 2015

$11.980

- $0.115

September 2015

$11.555

- $0.005

November 2015

$11.430

- $0.145

January 2016

$11.665

- $0.060

DUBAI — A world-class investment platform and international business facilitator, Gulfood 2015 is poised to play a key role in enhancing Dubai’s global position as an inclusive, transparent and compliant marketplace for the foodstuff commodities trade. The 20th edition of the world’s largest annual food and hospitality show will take place on Feb. 8-12, 2015 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and is forecast to accelerate the Emirate’s already brisk trade in commodities, in addition to finished food products.

Owing to its strategic location for major

Gulfood 2015 to enhance Dubai’s role as global hub for foodstuff commodity trade

global markets, its developed logistics infrastructure and efficient customs service, as well as hosting the world’s largest annual food trade event, Dubai has become a wellconnected, cost-effective global gateway for foodstuff commodities trade. This includes trade in commodities such as rice – the UAE

is the world’s largest re-exporter of rice, importing rice from 32 countries and exporting it to more than 80 countries globally. It is also the world’s biggest reexporter of tea, with many of the world’s largest producers and brands using Dubai as their base. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) expected to facilitate more than 7.5 million kilograms of tea re-exports by the end of 2014.

Dubai and contribute to the growth and development of the UAE’s increasingly diverse economy,‖ said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC. ―Focusing on providing traders and investors with real added value, the 20th edition of the show will be more influential than ever with business transactions expected to reach an all-time high.‖

According to recent figures released by Dubai Customs, Dubai’s foodstuff foreign trade including imports, exports and reexports amounted to AED21.5 billion in the first quarter of 2014 – equating to 17 percent growth on the AED18.3 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2013. This

The biggest edition in the show’s history, Gulfood 2015 is expected to attract more than 4,800 international companies from 120 countries and over 85,000 visitors from 170 countries. With billions of dollars’ worth of trading reported by exhibitors via their participation at last year’s show, the US

growth reflects the increase in demand due to economic and population growth, as well as the capacity of the local market to accommodate high volumes of foodstuffs. In this context, a renewed focus on commodities – meat, rice, grains, nuts, vegetable oil, coffee, milk, tea – at Gulfood 2015 is particularly relevant and will play an essential role in generating increased

pavilion alone - with almost 200 companies participating - generated show-floor and legacy sales of more than $300 million.

Other countries with a long history of Gulfood participation including Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Italy, France, South Africa and Germany also reported excellent results and acknowledged the unprecedented global reach of the busiest show to date.

revenues from global food transactions across the UAE and specifically in Dubai.

―By providing a convenient and strategic meeting platform for traders and investors from around the world, Gulfood is perfectly positioned to facilitate food trade through

The United States, which is among the largest national pavilions at Gulfood 2015, is Dubai’s third largest trading partner contributing nine per cent annually, equivalent to around AED3 billion. The list is topped by India and Brazil, with shares of

12 and 10 per cent, respectively. While Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Western Europe are the major importers of food products from Dubai, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and India are some of the newest export markets - 82 percent of new export deals concluded in 2013 came from Saudi Arabia. According to Dubai Exports, Dubai is favorably placed to meet the growing demand for dried foods in Asia-

increased demand for premium protein-rich foods, particularly meat. — SG

Pacific and for pasta in Western Europe, with both regions witnessing strong demand for vegetable oil.

The new varieties, BADC Hybrid Dhan 2 and Buyer Hybrid Dhan 4, were released on Monday, each variety having the capacity of producing around six tonnes of paddy per hectare

With quality of produce, Halal standards and freshness being of paramount importance, the regional market potential is strong for commodities, including the global meat

The government has introduced two more varieties of hybrid rice for cultivation aiming to boost the rice production in the country.The new varieties, BADC Hybrid Dhan 2 and Buyer Hybrid Dhan 4, were released on Monday, each variety having the capacity of producing around six tonnes of paddy per hectare.Anwar Faruque, director general of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Seed Wing, said the government gives priority to the cultivation of more hybrid varieties to boost the food production in the country, and introducing the two new hybrid varieties is a part of that.

industry. According to the Alpen Capital GCC Food Industry Report, the consumption of meat is expected to grow faster than any other food product through to 2017 at a CAGR of 3.9 per cent, followed by fruits, vegetables, milk and cereals.

Due to significant shifts in consumption patterns, particularly in emerging regions such as the Middle East, consumers are moving from carbohydrate-based foods to protein-rich diets, including meat and dairy.

While traditional food habits still dominate, the growing GCC population – expected to exceed 50 million by 2020 - and rising affluence regional levels are leading to

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.r egcon&contentid=20150108229840&utm_source=USA+Ri ce+Daily%2C+January+8%2C+2015&utm_campaign=Frid ay%2C+December+13%2C+2013&utm_medium=email

Two more varieties of hybrid rice introduced Abu Bakar Siddique

According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), the annual paddy production, in Bangladesh is around 3.38 million tonnes.The paddy production using traditional and locally developed highyielding varieties are two tonnes and 3.8 tonnes per hectare, respectively. The paddy production using hybrid seed is 4.7 tonnes per hectare.Of the new hybrid paddy varieties, the BADC Hybrid Dhan 2, sourced from China by Bangladesh Agricultural

Development Corporation (BADC), has the production capacity of 6.5-7.2 tonnes per hectare, and the Buyer Hybrid 4, sourced from India by Bayer Crop Science, has the production capacity of 6-6.5 tonnes per hectare, sources at the ministry said.Around 10-12% of the total paddy production in the country came from hybrid seeds, which is very low in volume, said Anwar, who is also an additional secretary at the ministry. ―The government is trying to enhance the use of hybrid seeds to get more production in the gradually reducing agricultural land to ensure food security of the country,‖ he added.The state-owned Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has developed 62 varieties of paddy so far. Of them, the number of hybrid varieties is only six.A total of 132 varieties of hybrid paddy have been introduced in Bangladesh. Of them, the BADC developed two varieties, the BRRI developed six, and the rest were developed by private companies.

http://www.dhakatribune.com/agriculture/2015/jan/08/two-morevarieties-hybrid-riceintroduced?utm_source=USA+Rice+Daily%2C+January+8%2C+2 015&utm_campaign=Friday%2C+December+13%2C+2013&utm _medium=email

Iftikhar Soomro made Director to Matco Rice BoDs January 08, 2015 RECORDER REPORT

Board of Directors. Soomro brings along his vast corporate experience of leading many prominent private and public sector companies of Pakistan. He has previously served as the Chairman of APTMA and as a director of Pakistan State Oil, Pfizer Pakistan, Park-Davis, Wyeth Pakistan, SITE, KESC, Sindh Fine Textile Mills and other corporates. Soomro has also distinguished himself in the field of public service, previously as an elected member of the Sindh Assembly and member of Cabinet.

Currently he is the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Tunisia. Commenting on the appointment, Jawed Ghori, Chairman of Matco Rice said: "We are extremely pleased that Iftikhar Ahmed Soomro has joined the board of our company, bringing with him a unique mix of skills and experience that will help the board to guide Matco Rice to the next level of growth." Matco Rice is Pakistan's largest Basmati rice exporter.

International Finance Corporate (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, is a shareholder of Matco Rice and invested equity in the company for capacity-building to cater to increasing exports, support trade, and to establish Matco as a global corporate in the region.-PR

http://agriculture.einnews.com/article/24326616 5/pMKmwRIp04fr0aPt

India, Pakistan spar over GI tag for Basmati rice By: Sajan C Kumar | Chennai | January 8, 2015 12:36 am

India’s fight to protect its iconic Basmati rice outside the country, especially in Pakistan,

Pakistan's largest Basmati rice exporter, Matco Rice Processing (Pvt) Limited has appointed Iftikhar Ahmed Soomro as an independent, non-executive Director to its

would be in jeopardy if it does not get the geographical indicator (GI) tag in its own country without further delay, the Agricultural

and

Processed

Food

Export

throwing challenges against our Basmati rice

has

variety,‖ the counsel said.After hearing Apeda,

Pakistan

Pakistan Basmati Growers Association, Madhya

reportedly have Basmati GI tag partially

Pradesh government, the farmers and a new

registered in their country and a litigation was

organisation, who wanted to implead in the case,

going on in a Pakistan court between them and

the IPAB bench of Justice KN Basha, chairman

India’s Apeda over the GI tag given to Basmati

and Sanjeev Kumar Chaswal, technical member,

rice from Pakistan.In India, the application for

adjourned the matter to February last week.The

GI tag for Basmati rice has been mired in legal

Bhopal-based New Darpan Social Welfare

tangle with Madhya Pradesh government upping

Society had filed an implead application,

the ante against the Apeda’s move to register GI

seeking to be included as a party to the

tag without including the state.The ongoing

proceedings.

Development

Authority

argued.Basmati

rice

Products (Apeda)

growers

in

litigation in bodies such as GI Registry and Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) has taken a long time and was threatening to weaken the case, as close to 700 to 800 proceedings

are

pending

across

various

countries. In IPAB too, Pakistan’s Basmati Growers’ Association (BGA) has appealed against granting of GI tag to Indian Basmati rice.

The Lahore-based BGA had also moved IPAB in appeal against the order of the assistant registrar of GI Registry that ordered inclusion of Madhya Pradesh in the amended application by Apeda. BGA had also opposed granting of GI tag to Indian Basmati rice in totality.BGA had submitted that Basmati is a name for a slender, aromatic and long grain variety of rice grown in

Apeda, under the Union commerce ministry,

the specific geographical area at the foothills of

told the IPAB bench that the delay in the

the Himalayas in Pakistan. It further argued in

proceedings was hampering the country’s

the appeal that only the rice grown in certain

prospects of protecting the rice variety as

areas of Punjab in Pakistan, where the rice

Pakistan has moved the GI dispute tribunal

kernels are grown on conventional rice lands and

against granting of GI tag to Basmati rice,

they interact with the environment, atmosphere,

arguing that those historical geographies of

soil and climate to yield exquisite rice can be

Basmati rice producing areas, are now part of

called Basmati in the true sense.

Pakistan.When the case came up at IPAB, the counsel for Apeda requested for an early hearing in the case as they are in a hurry to get the final order.―We have to first get the GI tag for Basmati rice in India, so that we can effectively counter Pakistan and other countries who are

The counsel for BGA told FE that they have also appealed against the inclusion of Madhya Pradesh in the areas for registration of GI tag for Basmati in India.Apeda had filed an application with the GI Registry to register the name

Basmati for rice covering Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and part of Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir,

Porridge could be key to a long and healthy life, says Harvard University

omitting the state of Madhya Pradesh, triggering protest from the farmers from the state as well as opposition from the state government.They

Eating porridge, brown rice or corn each day could protect the heart against disease, Harvard University has found

informed the assistant registrar of the GI Registry that the non- inclusion of Madhya

Pradesh in the Basmati growing area would have an adverse affect on the lives of farmers who are mainly depending upon

Youngsters who eat oats regularly are 50 per cent less likely to be overweight, one study of 10,000 children found Photo: Tim

By Sarah Knapton, Science Editor

Basmati cultivation and its exports.

Accordingly, GI Registry, asked Apeda to amend its application for GI registration of Basmati rice to include the uncovered area, including certain area in Madhya Pradesh.

Against this, Apeda has approached IPAB with an appeal against the order of assistant registrar of the GI Registry, issued on December 31, 2013, which allowed the opposition by various parties, including the department

of

farmer

welfare

and

agriculture development of MP, Madhya Kshetra

Basmati

Growers

Association

Samiti based in Raisen district among others against the application of Apeda.

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/markets /commodities/india-pakistan-spar-over-gi-tagfor-basmati-rice/27319/

4:28PM GMT 05 Jan 2015 A small bowl of porridge each day could be the key to a long and healthy life, after a major study by Harvard University found that whole grains reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.Although whole grains are widely believed to be beneficial for health it is the first research to look at whether they have a long-term impact on lifespan.Researchers followed more than 100,000 people for more than 14 years monitoring their diets and health outcomes.Everyone involved in the study was healthy in 1984 when they enrolled, but when they were followed up in 2010 more than 26,000 had died.However those who ate the most whole grains, such as porridge, brown rice, corn and quinoa seemed protected from many illnesses and

particularly heart disease.Oats are already the breakfast of choice for many athletes and also for dieters, who find the high fibre levels give them energy for longer.But scientists found that for each ounce (28g) of whole grains eaten a day – the equivalent of a small bowl of porridge – the risk of all death was reduced by five per cent and heart deaths by 9 per cent.―These findings further support current dietary guidelines that recommend increasing whole-grain consumption,‖ said lead author Dr Hongyu Wu of Harvard School of Public Health.―They also provide promising evidence that suggests a diet enriched with whole grains may confer benefits towards extended life expectancy.‖The findings remained even when allowing for different ages, smoking, body mass index and physical activity.Whole grains, where the bran and germ remain, contain 25 per cent more protein than refined grains, such as those that make white flour, pasta and white rice.Previous studies have shown that whole grains can boost bone mineral density, lower blood pressure, promote healthy gut bacteria and reduce the risk of diabetes. One particular fibre found only in oats – called beta-glucan – has been found to lower cholesterol which can help to protect against heart disease. A bioactive compound called avenanthramide is also thought to stop fat forming in the arteries, preventing heart attacks and strokes.Whole grains are also widely recommended in many dietary guidelines because they contain high levels

of nutrients like zinc, copper, manganese, iron and thiamine. They are also believed to boost levels of antioxidants which combat free-radicals.The new research suggests that if more people switched to whole grains, thousands of lives could be saved each year.

Coronary heart disease is Britain’s biggest killer, responsible for around 73,000 deaths in the UK each year. Around 2.3 million people are living with the condition and one in six men and one in 10 women will die from the disease.

Health experts said the study proved that whole grains were beneficial to health Victoria Taylor, Senior Dietician at the British Heart Foundation, said: ―This is an interesting study and reinforces existing dietary recommendations to eat more foods high in fibre. ―People with a higher intake of whole grains also tended to have a healthier overall lifestyle and diet so it might not be the whole grains alone that are having the benefit in relation to cardiovascular disease. ―But at this time of year when we are all making resolutions to eat better, switching to whole-grain versions of bread, breakfast cereals, pasta and rice is a simple change to make.‖ The research is published in the journal JAMA: Internal Medicine. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/1 1325968/Porridge-could-be-key-to-a-long-andhealthy-life-says-Harvard-University.html