Rice grown in the USA
Jan 15, 2009 11:05 AM
Fifteen U.S. rice mills have signed licensing agreements for the Grown in the USA logo, developed by the USA Rice Federation for use on rice grown and packaged in the U.S. for domestic and worldwide markets. The logo will help consumers and foodservice professionals identify and choose U.S.-grown rice.
The companies, who were honored by USA Rice at its annual meeting as founding licensees, represent nearly 70 percent of total domestic rice shipments. They are: American Rice, Doguet’s Rice, Falcon Rice Mill, Farmers Rice Milling, Hoppe Farms, Louisiana Mill, Lowell Farms, Mars Food, Producers Rice Mill, Rice Tec, Riceland Foods, Riviana Foods, Sem Chi Rice Products, Specialty Rice, and Sunwest Foods.
Research shows that “buying American” to support the economy and U.S. farmers is important to both consumers and foodservice professionals. The Grown in the USA rice logo helps both segments identify and choose U.S.-grown rice.
American rice farmers grow approximately 19 billion pounds of rice in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas. Long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain rice, as well as specialty rice varieties, are grown in the United States, and nearly 85 percent of all rice consumed in America is grown here.
U.S. rice farmers produce nearly 2 percent of the world’s annual rice supply, but are the world’s fourth largest rice exporter, sending 50 percent of annual production to overseas customers.
“The new logo will serve as a powerful new marketing tool for the industry. It allows us to say to consumers, when you want the standard for excellence, choose U.S.-grown rice,” said Jamie Warshaw, chairman of the USA Rice Federation.
For more information on applying for a license of the Grown in the USA rice logo, contact the USA Rice Federation at (703) 236-2300. The logo is available for license by any food manufacturer who qualifies.
