Rice Check-Off Programs Work Says Owen

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by Don Molino

John Owen from Richland Parish, Chairman of the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board, says Louisiana rice growers have been well served by their investments in the Louisiana rice promotion check-off program.

He says growers know check-off investments are crucial for maintaining a viable and profitable industry into the future.

Without the promotion check-off program, the accomplishments of the promotion board and many more would not have been realized.

Owen points out in the absence of future check-off funding, markets could close to US producers and new ones would not be cultivated.

He says the proof that shows check-off dollars work is the fact 95% of rice farmers do not ask for refunds.

Today’s rice farmers, says Owen, as in generations past, are keep business people who know that marketing the crop is as important as growing it.

Monica Velasquez