Louisiana Rice Producers Continue Their Battle With Foreign Imports

By Don Molino, The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

Louisiana rice producers continue to urge consumers to eat American rice.

The US rice industry continues to be concerned about the importation of rice competing with rice grown in this country, including Louisiana.  Rice producer John Owen from Rayville says it's primarily Basmati and Jasmine they're competing with.

"If you care about where your food comes from--and more and more Americans do--it doesn't matter where you live in the US, Louisiana, Texas, even California is a lot closer than India or Thailand," said Owen.

"If you can eat those exotic rices and still be eating locally you're supporting local farmers.  I think it goes without saying the food safety standards we have here in the US are better than any other place in the world. Believe me, I know a thing or two about these regulations and the precautions we take here with the food we eat.  But who knows what's going on in these other countries?" Owen asks.

"The US rice crop is grown sustainably and it's grown by stewards who care about the quality of the food that goes on American tables."