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Popularity of Peruvian Fare Could Boost Demand for Rice By Cameron Jacobs ARLINGTON, VA -- The National Restaurant Association listed Peruvian cuisine as one of the top 20 food trends for 2018 (see USA Rice Daily, January 5, 2018). Peruvian food is not new to the U.S. market, but what is new is the way chefs and restaurateurs are pushing the boundaries of this innovative cuisine. Traditional Peruvian fare reflects many cultural influences, like cau cau, a Creole tripe stew served with white rice, and chifa, a fusion of Peruvian and Cantonese cuisine. Almost every chifa dish is served with fried rice (chaufa). Most Peruvian dishes include a fundamental starch, such as plantains, potatoes, or rice, and many dishes are similar to, or influenced by, Asian fare. Chefs in the U.S. are combining elements of Asian and Peruvian cuisine to create exciting new flavors for diners, and rice plays an important role in their menus. At his new Los Angeles restaurant RosalinĂŠ, Ricardo Zarate is combining traditional Peruvian flavors with Asian flavors - the family-style chaufa paella features Peruvian fried rice, pancetta, La Chang (Chinese) sausage, prawns and bagoong, a fermented fish-based condiment from the Philippines. In November 2017, Peruvian-born chef Carlos Zheng opened Sakura 736 in Miami. The menu features Nikkei fare - a blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine that includes black rice, jasmine rice, and sushi rice in several dishes. In Lafayette, California, Peruvian chef Carlos Alamirano opened his seventh restaurant, Barranco Cocina Peruana, which features locally sourced seafood in dishes like pescado a lo macho - seasonal fish fillet

roasted over seafood stew, in a mild rocoto-paprika sauce, with coconut rice. Alamirano also owns a Peruvian food truck, Sanguchon, which serves bowl-style meals over white rice and sandwiches, for about $10 each. "From high-end gastropubs to inexpensive food truck fare, rice is an integral part of all Peruvian-based menus," said Paul Galvani, chairman of the USA Rice Domestic Promotion Committee. "For the U.S. rice industry, the growth in popularity and reimagining of Peruvian cuisine is good for business."

USA Rice

Indonesia increases rice imports 05.04.2018

| UkrAgroConsult Indonesia‘s rice imports in 2017-18 are expected to rise to 1.3 million tonnes as the country attempts to stabilize prices and rebuild stocks, according to an April 3 Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The Indonesian Bureau of Logistics (BULOG) has set its domestic procurement target for 2017-18 at 2.7 million tonnes of milled rice equivalent but only 650,000 tonnes had been procured through March. Faced with rising prices prior to the main harvest and BULOG‘s insufficient stocks, on Jan. 11 the Minister of Trade instructed BULOG to import 500,000 tonnes of rice.As of the end of March, only 261,000 tonnes had arrived, and the government extended the period BULOG can import rice through June 2018, the report said.The USDA noted that per capita rice consumption in Indonesia is declining about 1.6% per year. The decline in rice consumption is partly offset by increasing consumption of wheat flour-based foods. ―Relatively stable macro-economic conditions have allowed middle and upper-middle income consumers to diversify their diets to include more Western-style foods like bread and pasta,‖ the report said. ―Rather than eating rice three daily meals, many Indonesians have switched to eating bread or noodles for breakfast. Consumers usually have a pack of instant noodles during one meal, which is equal to about 110 grams of rice.‖ http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/indonesia-increases-rice-imports

VFA risks losing rice monopoly Update: April, 05/2018 - 08:00

HÀ NỘI — Following recent criticism of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has reduced the association‘s power, with further plans to promote fairness in the rice export field.

MARD‘s Deputy Minister Hà Công Tuấn affirmed that the VFA should no longer be able to allocate rice quotas among domestic firms and the 2010 Decree 109 regulating the country‘s rice exports must be amended to facilitate the change. So far, the Decree dictates that the VFA can only allocate rice export quotas under centralised contracts on the basis of agreements between Việt Nam and importing countries. But since 2017, the association has chosen to focus more on auctioning off these quotas as a separate enterprise seeking its own profits instead of as a representative of rice producers. As a matter of fact, Việt Nam is now only under one specialised contract to export rice to Cuba, but only one enterprise was assigned by the Government to implement this. "Therefore, in essence, the VFA has no role in allocating quotas at the moment," said Tuấn. Regarding the proposal to halt the VFA‘s alleged abuse of power in allocating rice export quotas, Trần Văn Công, deputy director of the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority, said that although there are some inadequacies, it is not possible to completely diminish the role of the VFA in keeping rice production stable. ‗In recent years, the VFA has done a good job of regulating import and export of foodstuffs, including rice,‘ he added. Công said that the MARD will work closely with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to review Decree 109, in order to promote and encourage more private businesses to participate in rice exports, which he hoped would lessen the VFA‘s influence in this field. Prior to that, the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR) claimed in a March 2018 report that the VFA only represents the interests of Stateowned enterprises (SoEs) in the agricultural field and does not hold itself responsible for the private sector‘s or individual farmer‘s benefits. The VEPR said that the association was hampering the development of its members via the use of monopolistic government-to-government contracts. Nguyễn Đức Thành, VEPR‘s director, argued that VFA‘s allocation decisions are based on a top-down, non-consensual and involuntary approach that doesn‘t include

consultation with member firms, while its price floor policy has caused losses for private exporting enterprises and indirectly pushed down the price level at which rice is purchased straight from small-time farmers. Therefore, VEPRâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s representatives suggested that the Government actively replace the outdated VFA policies with radical reform in the rice export sector, setting up a new institutional policy-based system that is disciplined, fair and transparent. In particular, the revised Decree 109 that the Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting should reduce the VFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s role to that of a trade association, instead of a quota cartel.

Experts from the VEPR said that in order for the rice industry to develop sustainably in the long run, there should be production contracts between rice farmers and enterprises. In early March, the VFA said that in addition to its current functions and rights, in the near future, the association will focus on increasing the number of members to fight against price pressure and anti-dumping, as well as restrain unfair competition affecting production, efficiency and prestige of the Vietnamese rice industry.

Tráş§n Thanh Nam, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development requested VFA to organise production and cooperative development, especially in areas of specialised rice cultivation, and initiative export quantity to specific markets, while maintaining quality assurance and food safety. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; VNS

Read more at http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/425756/vfa-risks-losing-ricemonopoly.html#JR1G0CjuLjDJS7GP.99

Rice output likely to touch 9m tonnes Share:

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OUR STAFF REPORT April 05, 2018

LAHORE - Pakistan's annual paddy production is likely to touch nine million tonne in next two to three years with predicted increase of 25 per cent sowing area of hybrid rice. Shehzad Ali Malik, the former president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said this during an interaction with Agriculture Journalists Association at his office on Wednesday. The AJA delegation led by president Sudhir Ch met him to discuss the future of hybrid rice cultivation in Pakistan and cooperation with China in this field. "The current paddy production is 6.9 million tonne per year which will touch nine million tonne in next three years as farmers' interest is increasing in sowing of hybrid rice," Shehzad said. While the modern hybrid rice varieties are already being sown over 1.5 million acres of land in Sindh, the seed is all set to be commercially launched in different districts of southern Punjab in upcoming season. Since the hybrid rice average yield is more than 100 maund per acre, the cultivation if adopted in Punjab could make a considerable increase in annual rice production of the country. Shehzad was of the view that Iran can become a major market of Pakistani rice consumption in coming years. As the country's current per year export to Iran is around 150,000 tonne, he said the export can be increase at one million tonne. To avoid the complications, he suggested the bilateral trade of rice and other products with Tehran could be dealt in Chinese currency instead of US dollar. He also floated the idea to provide on lease land to Chinese and Pakistani companies for different crops seed research. He said the government must include the agriculture sector projects in next phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. https://nation.com.pk/05-Apr-2018/rice-output-likely-to-touch-9m-tonnes

Rice Prices as on : 05-04-2018 12:37:57 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market. Arrivals Current

Price % change

Season cumulative

Modal

Prev. Modal

Prev.Yr %change

Rice Bangalore(Kar)

2450.00

25.64

30174.00

4400

2.33

Bindki(UP)

700.00

21108.00

2310

2300

Kanpur(Grain)(UP)

260.00

-42.22

7665.00

2125

2200

0.24

Bahraich(UP)

224.50

22.81

3141.40

2200

-1.35

Bharthna(UP)

180.00

5664.00

2380

2350

Gorakhpur(UP)

170.00

750

1772.50

2145

2140

2.14

Siliguri(WB)

165.00

0.61

3723.00

2700

Gondal(UP)

145.00

2.11

5299.50

2150

2.38

Beldanga(WB)

70.00

-6.67

565.00

2800

16.67

Kasimbazar(WB)

70.00

-1.41

1296.50

2800

2770

12.90

Puwaha(UP)

60.00

140

534.50

2250

2100

Basti(UP)

59.00

22.92

1656.50

2140

2150

1.90

Chintamani(Kar)

55.00

182.00

2100

Samsi(WB)

55.00

920.50

3300

10.00

Pandua(WB)

48.00

419.00

3450

9.52

Gajol(WB)

37.00

-17.96

893.10

3550

22.41

Akbarpur(UP)

35.00

-22.22

2421.50

2180

2190

-0.91

Sitapur(UP)

31.00

251.00

2240

Jaunpur(UP)

30.00

759.30

2180

2160

7.92

Sirsaganj(UP)

25.00

150

399.00

2640

2560

17.33

Muzzafarnagar(UP)

24.00

118.18

768.00

2690

2680

Lakhimpur(UP)

24.00

-31.43

896.00

2200

2170

1.85

Jasra(UP)

22.00

638.50

2300

Chorichora(UP)

20.00

-16.67

360.00

2145

2135

Giridih(Jha)

18.65

17.44

136.43

3500

Tamkuhi Road(UP)

18.00

-25

501.00

2160

2130

Madhoganj(UP)

16.50

37.5

2042.00

2160

2180

0.47

Risia(UP)

16.40

446.67

4107.20

1900

1950

Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB)

16.40

-0.61

282.50

3000

11.11

Pukhrayan(UP)

15.00

-50

308.00

2150

2100

Atarra(UP)

14.00

-12.5

155.00

2100

5.00

Saharanpur(UP)

13.00

-7.14

596.50

2670

2690

12.66

Chandoli(UP)

12.00

66.67

113.60

2180

2220

Mahoba(UP)

12.00

-9.09

217.60

2040

2020

Kalyani(WB)

10.50

-4.55

50.90

3400

Robertsganj(UP)

9.00

221.43

215.80

2235

2245

13.16

Chitwadagaon(UP)

8.00

14.29

119.70

2100

2000

-1.41

Sehjanwa(UP)

6.00

-83.33

387.00

2000

Mirzapur(UP)

5.50

22.22

306.50

2160

2155

Paliakala(UP)

5.00

808.60

2180

2170

Farukhabad(UP)

4.50

-25

119.80

2350

6.33

Bonai(Bonai)(Ori)

2.50

-98.75

274.40

3000

20.00

Tundla(UP)

2.50

56.25

74.80

2610

Garbeta(Medinipur)(WB)

2.30

-90.42

92.30

2880

2850

10.77

Jahangirabad(UP)

2.00

-20

65.00

2575

2580

11.23

Balrampur(UP)

2.00

-80

90.00

2000

2150

-4.08

Khairagarh(UP)

1.10

37.5

53.00

2500

-0.79

Alibagh(Mah)

1.00

24.00

5000

25.00

Murud(Mah)

1.00

21.00

4000

33.33

Mohanpur(Tri)

1.00

-50

3.00

3200

3000

6.67

Jagnair(UP)

0.60

-25

46.30

2500

-1.57

Billsadda(UP)

0.60

-60

113.90

2220

2200

Published on April 05, 2018 https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article23441856.ece

We were in the dark about Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new residue norms, claims rice exporters body TV JAYANT+ T-

270-tonne consignment rejected for high pesticide residue NEW DELHI, APRIL 5 The All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) on Thursday said it has taken up the issue of Jordan rejecting rice containers of an Indian exporter early this week with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) and Jordan Chamber of Commerce. Jordan‘s Agriculture Ministry has denied permission for offloading 12 containers carrying 270 tonnes of basmati rice from a North Indian exporter at its Aqaba port as Jordanian government laboratories found the pesticide residue in rice samples examined were higher than the maximum residue level (MRL). ―The samples were found to have residue level (of fungicide tricyclazole) higher than it is now permitted. However, what is strange was that Jordan did not notify its decision to revise MRL and as a result, this information was not publicly available,‖ said AIREA Executive Director Rajen Sundaresan.

Prior to the implementation of new norms, the MRL in Indian basmati was 1 ppm. The tolerance levels for tricyclazole in the US and Japan, interestingly, are much higher, at 3 ppm and 10 ppm respectively. Indian rice exporters have been lobbying with the Central government for getting the new norms relaxed by the EU for two years.

Options left Sundaresan, who refused to name the exporter whose consignment has been blocked, said the options available to them include bringing the consignment back to India, or destroying it or re-routing the shipment to the countries where such MRL is permitted. ―The tricyclazole levels permitted in India is 3 ppm. When the consignment left India it was within the permissible limits. But Jordan has suddenly decided to follow the EU regime. We have written to them to find out since when it has come into effect,‖ the AIREA official said. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/we-were-in-the-dark-about-jordans-newresidue-norms-claims-rice-exporters-body/article23446739.ece

Duterte tackles rice shortage President expected to appeal to grains tradersto avoid hoarding, unjust price hike in Palace meeting today

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Share it! Updated April 5, 2018, 4:41 PM

By Genalyn Kabiling President Duterte is set to meet with the country‘s rice traders in Malacañang today (April 5) amid concerns on the reported artificial rice shortage in the country.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte looks at the document shown by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. prior to the start of the 10th Cabinet meeting at the State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace on January 9, 2017. (ACE MORANDANTE/Presidential Photo / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

The President is expected to appeal to the traders to avoid hoarding rice and imposing unjust price increases, according to Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. ―The President will be meeting with the rice traders tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon because the President will have to take on that,‖Evasco, chair of the National Food Authority (NFA) Council, said during a Palace news conference. ―It was proposed by the Department of Agriculture secretary that rice traders should be called and that the President talk to them so that we can preempt whatever plans of these traders (are)and we can ask the traders to help us rather than take advantage of a situation to make money at the expense of the consuming public,‖ he added. The President‘s proposed meeting with rice traders came as Evasco blamed the NFA management for creating confusion and panic when it announced a supposed shortage of rice in the country. Evasco claimed that the NFA management has created the ―artificial rice shortage,‖ saying its ―irresponsible‖ statement could make the traders ―withdraw the rice and to speculate on higher price of rice.‖

―In fact, if there is a sector in the country that can manipulate the presence of rice in the market, it‘s the traders,‖ he said. ―An irresponsible statement that there is no more rice in the market would immediately create a reaction on people who do have rice on their hands, withdraw this and speculate the date when to release it at a higher price, at the detriment of the consuming public,‖ he added. Asked if NFA administrator Jason Aquino should be fired for the agency‘s supply problems, Evasco said it was up to the President to make the decision since he is the appointing authority. Evasco, meantime, assured anew that the country has adequate rice supply, citing more rice imports are expected to be delivered before June in time for the lean months. ―Based on the information from the Department of Agriculture, there is so much rice,‖ he said. Malacañang recently assured that the country‘s overall rice supply remained more than sufficient, despite a low inventory of the government subsidized rice. It has assured that 250,000 metric tons of rice imports are expected before June to boost the NFA rice stockpile. Less than a day’s supply Meanwhile, the NFA has only less than a day‘s worth of affordable rice reserve but the government continued to assure the country‘s overall rice supply remained adequate. Evasco has admitted that the NFA‘s rice buffer stock was down to 0.35 day or around 200,000 bags of rice. ―Wala pa naman, wala pa. It‘s .35 (day),‖ Evascosaid during a Palace news conference when asked if the NFA buffer stock has reached zero. ―That is if there is no rice produced tomorrow,‖ he added, when asked if there was already a shortage of NFA rice stocks. The latest figure was below NFA‘s mandatory 15-day buffer stock of government subsidized rice. When asked how the government will supply rice in case of a calamity hits the country, Evasco said he intends to meet with the NFA council members to discuss the latest rice supply situation. ―We have to proactively think about it. In fact, I have to meet the Council members about this because this is a new development. And we‘ll be asking the police to check whether it‘s true or not,‖ he said. DA assure sufficient rice Despite the low inventory of the NFA rice, Evasco said the Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured that the country has sufficient supply of rice. He added that additional rice imports are expected to be delivered to the country before June to boost the NFA supply. ―Based on the report of the Department of Agriculture, there is so much rice. And in fact, this is the reason the standby volume of rice of 250,000 metric tons was set to be purchased and to be delivered before June in time for the lean months,‖ he said. Evasco also confirmed talks about the proposed abolition of the NFA, but clarified it could only be dismantled if there is adequate domestic rice production.

―Kinokonsiderana ‗yan [That is being considered],‖ he said. ―NFA could only be abolished first, if we have enough rice produced in our country to feed our people,‖ he said. Evasco acknowledged that the NFA might also be abolished if the Department of Finance‘s proposal to lift the quantitative restrictions on rice imports is approved. The Finance department had earlier suggested removing the rice import quota and instead assess a 35-percent tariff rate. At present, NFA is empowered to import rice and regulate rice imports. ―If we follow the proposal of the Department of Finance to do away the quantitative restrictions, definitely mawalaiyong NFA because we will now allow private traders to buy and sell this rice here in our country,‖ Evasco said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/04/duterte-tackles-rice-shortage/

CROPS>RICE

LSU AgCenter releases new rice hybrid A new hybrid rice with high quality and competitive yield potential is being released by the LSU AgCenter.

Bruce Schultz 1 | Apr 05, 2018 A new hybrid rice with high quality and competitive yield potential is being released by the LSU AgCenter. The long-grain hybrid, LAH169, was developed at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station during the past seven years. Related: Arkansas releases second aromatic rice variety The rights to commercial development will be available for bidding. The date for submitting bids will be announced after details are finalized, according to Alana Fernandez of the LSU AgCenter Office of Intellectual Property. LSU AgCenter hybrid rice breeder Jim Oard said LAH169 has good grain quality with low chalk. ―It has 50 percent less chalk than the commercial hybrids currently available,‖ he said. He said LAH169 can have a respectable yield. ―The main crop yield performance of LAH169 in 25 trials in five locations across three years in Louisiana was 94 percent of RiceTec CLXL745, the most popular hybrid in Louisiana,‖ Oard said. ―In limited trials across two years, the combined main and ratoon yields of LAH169 were nearly identical to CLXL745.‖ The new hybrid is moderately resistant to blast, sheath blight and panicle blight, he said. Seed crop

Oard said hybrid development will continue. ―We have a Clearfield hybrid in the pipeline,‖ he said. Also available for the first time is a new Clearfield Jasmine-type rice named CLJ01. It is superior to its aromatic predecessors, Jazzman-1 and Jazzman-2, in terms of yield and quality, said AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso. The biggest difference is yield. ―Over three years of tests off-station, on average it‘s been 30 percent or better than Jazzman-2,‖ Famoso said. Its aroma is on par with Thai Jasmine, he said. Its quality is exceptional, with the lowest chalk of any rice grown at the Rice Research Station, Famoso said.

CROPS>RICE

LSU AgCenter releases new rice hybrid A new hybrid rice with high quality and competitive yield potential is being released by the LSU AgCenter.

The rights to commercial development will be available for bidding. The date for submitting bids will be announced after details are finalized, according to Alana Fernandez of the LSU AgCenter Office of Intellectual Property. LSU AgCenter hybrid rice breeder Jim Oard said LAH169 has good grain quality with low chalk. ―It has 50 percent less chalk than the commercial hybrids currently available,‖ he said. He said LAH169 can have a respectable yield. ―The main crop yield performance of LAH169 in 25 trials in five locations across three years in Louisiana was 94 percent of RiceTec CLXL745, the most popular hybrid in Louisiana,‖ Oard said. ―In limited trials across two years, the combined main and ratoon yields of LAH169 were nearly identical to CLXL745.‖ The new hybrid is moderately resistant to blast, sheath blight and panicle blight, he said. Seed crop

A seed crop of LAH169 has been grown at the LSU AgCenter winter nursery in Puerto Rico, Oard said. That rice will be harvested in April and will be stored at the Rice Research Station until a partner to increase seed has been identified. Oard said hybrid development will continue. ―We have a Clearfield hybrid in the pipeline,‖ he said. Also available for the first time is a new Clearfield Jasmine-type rice named CLJ01. It is superior to its aromatic predecessors, Jazzman-1 and Jazzman-2, in terms of yield and quality, said AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso.

The biggest difference is yield. ―Over three years of tests off-station, on average it‘s been 30 percent or better than Jazzman-2,‖ Famoso said. Its aroma is on par with Thai Jasmine, he said. Its quality is exceptional, with the lowest chalk of any rice grown at the Rice Research Station, Famoso said.

1. INDYEATS

HOW RICE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ON THE TABLE, AND NOT JUST IN ASIA Thailand is the world's sixth largest producer of rice. Here Thai Muslim and Buddhist farmers working together to harvest rice in Mai Kaen, Pattani province / AFP/Getty

Grown on every continent in the world except for Antarctica, rice is more than a staple. It's life to millions and is the basis for practically every meal in many countries. But why doens't the UK have the same affinity to it, asks Julia Platt Leonard   

JULIA PLATT LEONARD @@Juliapleonard 5 days ago 3 CLICK TO FOLLOW INDY/LIFE

In Thailand, you don‘t ask friends if they‘ve had dinner yet. You ask, ―Kin khao ayung?‖ Translated? Have you had rice yet? Food writer Kay Plunkett-Hogge, who was born and raised in Thailand, says it shows how critical rice is in Thai and South East Asian food and cooking. ―It is the most important thing on the table,‖ she says. ―Every dish goes with it, not the other way around.‖ Thailand isn‘t alone in its love of rice. According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), rice is a staple food for over half the world‘s population. About 90 per cent of worldwide rice production comes from Asia – an area IRRI defines as reaching from Pakistan in the west to Japan in the east. While most rice is grown and eaten locally – never entering the export market – the volume of international trade has almost quadrupled since the 1960s, with Thailand, Vietnam and India leading exporters.

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Malaysians furious after prime minister says he prefers quinoa to rice Food writer Yasmin Khan, author of The Saffron Tales, says her grandfather was a rice farmer and that rice plays a crucial role in Iranian cuisine. ―In Iran, cooking rice is elevated to an art form and a cook is judged on the quality of his or her rice.‖ She says Iranians are fastidious about how rice is cooked – each grain should be elongated and separate. ―Even to this day, the bit of my meal I get most nervous about when hosting a dinner is the rice!‖ For her, a favourite rice dish is loobia polo – a layered rice dish with minced lamb, tomatoes, potatoes and green beans, spiced with cinnamon, turmeric and cumin. ―It‘s my ultimate comfort food,‖ she says.

TA TA Eatery's 72 hours braised Galacianbrisket and fermented pumpkin Ricewich(tata_eatery/Instagram)

In fact, rice is grown on every continent except Antarctica. Notably, it‘s not grown in Britain which may be one reason it doesn‘t feature in our cooking as it does in rice growing countries. ―So much of Thai culture is built around rice farming and eating,‖ says Plunkett-Hogge. ―Arguably, it‘s through rice agriculture that the peoples who became Thai settled the central plains in the first place. That gives them an inbuilt reverence for it. Rice doesn‘t grow in Britain, so we don‘t have the same connection to it. It becomes just another ingredient.‖

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But is that changing? Zijun Meng and Ana Goncalves hope so. They originally launched TA TA Eatery in London‘s Druid Street market, selling three different rice bowls and then created a ―ricewich‖ – a rice sandwich with nori on the outside and grilled short ribs inside. ―Rice plays a big part in Portuguese and Chinese cuisine (Goncalves is originally from Portugal while Meng is from China).‖ ―We didn‘t know the type of food we were going to do when we started TA TA Eatery. Each of us wrote down the foods we love and rice appeared on both of our lists.‖ They acknowledge that rice is typically seen in England as a carb to soak up liquid but they‘re keen to show its versatility with dishes like a puffed rice dessert, toasted rice-infused dashi and a toasted rice-flavoured oil. For their next two-day pop up they‘ll include a sake-glazed Iberian pork rice bowl and toasted rice ice cream.

The rice harvest in Catarroja, Valencia is much denser than in Asia (Rex )

For chef Marcia Barrington, rice too is a key ingredient in Valencia, Spain where she spends much of her year. Rice was brought to Spain in the 10thcentury where it was – and still is – grown in Valencia. ―Rice is life! Rice forms part of the Valencian identity,‖ says Barrington. ―Everyone talks about paella, cooks paella and eats rice dishes of which there are many.‖ While Barrington has been travelling to Spain since she was a child, she‘s still learning about different types of rice grown in Valencia. ―On my last trip I had a chat with a seller friend in the central market and she recommended I try the Valencian Albufera rice. It‘s a blend of the Senia and Bomba varieties. It cooks really quickly within 20 minutes, holds stock well and has great flavour.‖ How to cook perfect rice by Kay Plunkett-Hogge

This is my perfect Thai jasmine rice recipe – although I have used it for basmati and American and it has worked just as well. Rinse 1 cup/mug/whatever of rice well in a sieve under cold water. Now pop it into a pot with a good lid. Add 1 1/3 volume of cold water. Bring to the boil, uncovered. When it gets there, cover and turn the heat right down. Cook gently for 10-12 minutes to absorb all the water. Check it‘s done. Older rice will need a dash more water and a couple more minutes. You should be able to smell the perfume. Allow the rice to rest, covered, off the heat for about 5-10 minutes, so the grains puff up in the residual steam. Job done. For Plunkett-Hogge in Thailand, the variety that‘s caught her eye is one called Sangyod. It only grows in a few places in Thailand and thrives on brackish, salty water. And it‘s water of course that‘s key to rice. With rice consumption growing, there is increased demand on farmers to produce more, but climate change means some areas get too much rain while others are facing drought conditions. And while rice loves water it dies if completely submerged for too long, a problem for low lying areas subject to flooding due to rising sea levels. IRRI points to a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) forecasting that rice prices could increase by between 32-37 per cent by 2050 due to climate change with a drop in production of almost 15 per cent in both South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Work is being done to manage water usage, to create seed varieties better suited to handle climate change, and to control flooding – but will it be enough? It‘s a major cause for concern, Khan feels. ―As with all farming, climate change and international trade rules are the biggest factors facing the future of rice farming and supply.

In Iran for example, it is cheaper to buy imported rice from China or India than locally produced rice. Promoting food sovereignty for farmers is central for the health of our planet and local economies all over the world.‖ And it‘s small farmers who grow much of the world‘s rice. Their livelihoods – their very lives – depend on finding ways to protect their crops while meeting our insatiable hunger for rice.

Arroz negro con calamares black rice with squid Serves 2 Spanish ‗black rice‘ is a typical dish in Valencia as well as other parts of Spain. It is super easy to make and tastes sensational. My recipe serves 2 yet is very easy to increase for 4 or 6 guests. I allow 100g of rice and 1 whole, cleaned squid per person with tentacles. For the rice, I have used a newly found albufera variety from Valencia that I discovered in the Mercat Central. Yet the more familiar bomba or calasparra rice will work well and are easy to find outside of Spain. In terms of the rice to liquid ratio, I always have 3 times stock volume to rice simmering on the hob. I find that a 2:1 ratio of fish stock to rice is never quite enough for the fat little round rice grains used for this type of dish. Be generous.

1 x paella pan (28-30cm) or equivalent Olive oil approx. 90ml/6 tablespoons 1 small onion, fine diced 3 small cloves of garlic, crushed 200g redondo, (round) short Spanish rice (bomba, calasparra) 1 glass of dry white wine 4 sachets of squid ink (available from fishmongers) 600ml fresh fish stock (available from fishmongers) 2 whole, cleaned squid with tentacles in tact (Ask your fishmonger to clean) Squid tubes cut into 2-3inch pieces and scored diagonally, taking care not to score all the way through 1 whole Spanish or un-waxed lemon cut into quarters Heat approx. 60ml/4tablespoons of olive oil in a paella pan if you have one, or similar. Add the finely diced onion and cook gently until soft. Add the crushed garlic and cook until you smell its aroma, roughly about 3 minutes or so. Add the rice and gently combine. With the heat on medium, add the white wine, stir into the rice allowing it to reduce and burn off the alcohol. Meanwhile pour your stock into a saucepan and gently heat ready to start adding to the rice. You will note that I am using a 3:1 ratio of fish stock to rice. I prefer to have extra to hand as I find the rice always takes more than double its volume of liquid. So for 200g of bomba, calasparra, or round short Spanish rice, I have 600ml of fresh fish stock on the go. I like the rice to be quite black and therefore add 2 sachets of squid ink per person. So, next, gently squeeze 4 sachets of squid ink into the rice along with a ladle of warm stock. READ MORE   

'Rice terrace' skyscraper to be built in Ho Chi Minh City Chinese scientists develop rice that can grow in seawater Tourists plant rice in famine stricken North Korea Gently combine everything together to colour the rice. I then add the stock in maybe 3 or so additions shaking the paellera gently and stirring just a little until cooked through. Always taste for doneness. You want the rice to be soft all the way through the grain. You can at this point add a little salt if required. Yet I find that the rice has lots of flavour and very little seasoning is needed, especially if you have used a good quality fish stock. Turn the rice off when cooked and allow it to rest for 5 minutes while you finish the squid. Heat a small frying pan to hot then add the remaining 30ml olive. Add the squid and cook until the flesh becomes opaque and begins to curl up. This should be super quick! Remove and set aside.

To serve, place the squid on top of the rice. If you like, sprinkle the squid with a dusting of Spanish sweet smoked pimentón. There are two varieties of pimentón, and I can say, hand on heart, that the picante is very picante indeed. Have some good quality lemon wedges to hand also, very much needed for squeezing over the rice. Finally, please, please resist the English temptation to hurl parsley over this dish. It is really not very pleasant to eat and unnecessary. Instead, enjoy the rice with a fresh aioli perhaps a little open textured bread; accompanied by a chilled glass of Alboriño, Verdejo or good Spanish dry white. Marcia Barrington © Valencia, March 2018. Instagram @marciabarrington https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/rice-asia-thailand-food-produce-cooking-kayplunkett-hogge-a8279091.html

Career Award Supports Sustainable Rice Farming Work University of Arkansas researcher collaborates with Arkansas rice farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Article ID: 692345 Released: 6-Apr-2018 8:05 AM EDT Source Newsroom: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

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 Credit: University of Arkansas Benjamin Runkle, University of Arkansas MEDIA CONTACT

Available for logged-in reporters only CHANNELS Agriculture, Environmental Science KEYWORDS  rice farming, rice agriculture, U.S. Department Of Agriculture, National Science Foundation (NSF) , U.S. Geological Survey,

 + Show More Newswise — FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Benjamin Runkle, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering, has received a $500,199 Faculty Early Career Development award from the National Science Foundation to expand his research on sustainable rice production. Runkle works with several farmers in the Delta region of Arkansas to develop and test alternative irrigation strategies for rice production. Together they are trying to reduce the quantity of water used, which in turn decreases the amount of methane produced in flooded rice fields. They are attemping to do this without decreasing rice production, and in some cases they expect to actually increase crop yields. Rice is a staple food for more than 3 billion people worldwide, and Arkansas is the top American rice producer. However, current rice farming methods, which involve keeping rice fields flooded with water, have a high environmental impact. Rice production consumes significant water resources and accounts for roughly 10 percent of humans‘ overall methane emissions into the atmosphere. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. ―We hope that this project will expand sustainable rice production by validating recent conservation incentive programs that have supported alternative irrigation practices in more than 40,000 acres of rice fields in Arkansas,‖ Runkle said. ―By fine-tuning these practices we hope to make them more accessible across the mid-South.‖

The NSF award will enable Runkle to quantify the climate impact of these water-saving irrigation strategies. Rather than the traditional paddy style of rice farming, which involves flooding the field, one new strategy focuses on irrigating and drying the furrows between rows of rice plants. Another strategy uses plastic piping with multiple inlets to more efficiently irrigate fields. In addition to saving water, these practices deliver oxygen into the soil, which both prevents microbes from producing methane and inhibits their growth, thus significantly reducing methane emissions from the field. Additionally, with this practice, less carbon dioxide is produced, because by saving water, less energy is used by the pumps that pull groundwater from the aquifers for irrigation. One of the problems of current rice farming methods is uncertainty about the exact amount of greenhouse gases emitted through the various stages of production. Runkle‘s team will measure these critical emissions to establish baselines for comparison to emissions from more sustainable methods. This project will inform policy and investment decisions in Arkansas and the mid-South. The findings will help farmers transition from conservation programs based solely on water savings to programs that integrate water conservation with greenhouse gas emission credits. These credits are facilitated by a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Terra Global Capital. For his rice-farming research, Runkle has received funding from Arkansas Water Resources Center and the U.S. Geological Survey‘s 104B grant program, which provides ―seed‖ grants to gather pilot data that can be used for larger grant proposals. His work is also supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. About CAREER Awards: The Faculty Early Career Development Program, better known as CAREER, is the National Science Foundation‘s most prestigious award in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, education and integration of both within the context of their institution‘s mission. Research activities supported by CAREER awards build the foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/career-award-supports-sustainable-rice-farming-work

We were in the dark about Jordan’s new residue norms, claims rice exporters body TV JAYANT+ T-

EU norms ―All of a sudden, Jordan has decided to adopt the European Union (EU) norms for tricyclazole residue, which stands at 0.01 parts per million (ppm). We had little knowledge about this,‖ he said, adding that the association has already written to Apeda and Jordan Chamber of Commerce. From January 1 this year, the EU decided to not allow the import of basmati rice whose tricyclazole levels exceed more than 0.01 ppm to its member countries, affecting most basmati exporters from India. Prior to the implementation of new norms, the MRL in Indian basmati was 1 ppm. The tolerance levels for tricyclazole in the US and Japan, interestingly, are much higher, at 3 ppm and 10 ppm respectively. Indian rice exporters have been lobbying with the Central government for getting the new norms relaxed by the EU for two years.

―The tricyclazole levels permitted in India is 3 ppm. When the consignment left India it was within the permissible limits. But Jordan has suddenly decided to follow the EU regime. We have written to them to find out since when it has come into effect,‖ the AIREA official said https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/we-were-in-the-dark-about-jordansnew-residue-norms-claims-rice-exporters-body/article23446739.ece

Sir Michael Marmot, Ambassador Andrew Young to address Beyond Flexner Conference

Roz Edward

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The City of Atlanta will be the gathering spot for some of the world’s foremost leaders in health equity from April 9 through the 11, as it hosts the 2018 Beyond Flexner Conference. Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is honored to serve as the main sponsor for this year’s event. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and the Beyond Flexner Alliance are serving as co-sponsors. The Beyond Flexner Conference for is for health professionals who are committed to creating health equity. During the conference, participants will examine broad themes of social mission including, social determinants of health, community engagement, disparity reduction, diversity promotion and value-based health care. The conference is a time for thought leaders to come together to learn more about the social mission and how to integrate it into their teaching, learning, and practice. The Honorable Andrew Young, a civil rights icon, former U.S. ambassador, and onetime mayor of Atlanta and Sir Michael Marmot, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London and Chair of World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health will deliver keynote addresses at the

conference. Other high-profile names participating include Valerie Montgomery Rice, M.D., President and Dean of Morehouse School of Medicine, Dayna Bowen Matthew, J.D., a leader in health equity and professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, and the Honorable Louis J. Sullivan, M.D., former Health and Human Services secretary and President Emeritus of MSM. Monday, April 9, through Wednesday, April 11, 2018. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis will serve as the host location for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference. It is located at 265 Peachtree Center NE, Atlanta, GA, 30303. For more information about the Beyond Flexner conference, please contact Leigh Anne Butler at (202) 994-7936 or lbutler@gwu.edu. https://atlantadailyworld.com/2018/04/06/sir-michael-marmot-ambassador-andrew-young-to-addressbeyond-flexner-conference/

BASMATI RICE MARKET SET TO TAKE GIANT POSITIVE LEAP POSTED ON APRIL 5, 2018

Comprehensive Analysis of Basmati Rice Market HTF MI published a new industry research that focuses on Basmati Rice market and delivers in-depth market analysis and future prospects of Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice market. The study covers significant data which makes the research document a handy resource for managers, analysts, industry experts and other key people get ready-to-access and self-analyzed study along with graphs and tables to help understand market trends, drivers and market challenges. The study is segmented by Application/ end users [Direct Edible & Deep Processing], products type [Indian Basmati Rice, Pakistani Basmati Rice, Kenya Basmati Rice & Other] and various important geographies like China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia]. Get Access to sample pages @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1052004-asia-pacificbasmati-rice-market The research covers the current market size of the Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data along with company profile of key players/manufacturers. The in-depth information by segments of Basmati Rice market helps monitor future profitability & to make critical decisions for growth. The information on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies, CAPEX cycle and the changing structure of the Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice Market.

The study provides company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of key manufacturers of Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice Market, some of them listed here are KRBL Limited, Amira Nature Foods, LT Foods, Best Foods, Kohinoor Rice, Aeroplane Rice, Tilda Basmati Rice, Matco Foods, Amar Singh Chawal Wala, Hanuman Rice Mills, Adani Wilmar, HAS Rice Pakistan, Galaxy Rice Mill, Dunar Foods & Sungold. The market is growing at a very rapid pace and with rise in technological innovation, competition and M&A activities in the industry many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. The new manufacturer entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology. Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as Indian Basmati Rice, Pakistani Basmati Rice, Kenya Basmati Rice & Other. Further the research study is segmented by Application such as Direct Edible & Deep Processing with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate. Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Basmati Rice in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted period 2017 to 2022. Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1052004asia-pacific-basmati-rice-market Following would be the Chapters to display the Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice market. Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Basmati Rice, Applications of Basmati Rice, Market Segment by Regions; Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure; Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Basmati Rice, Capacity and

Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis; Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment); Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia, Basmati Rice Segment Market Analysis (by Type); Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Basmati Rice Segment Market Analysis (by Application) Major Manufacturers Analysis of Basmati Rice; Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Indian Basmati Rice, Pakistani Basmati Rice, Kenya Basmati Rice & Other], Market Trend by Application [Direct Edible & Deep Processing]; Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis; Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice; Chapter 12,13, 14 and 15, to describe Basmati Rice sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source. Enquire for customization in Report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1052004asia-pacific-basmati-rice-market What this Research Study Offers: Asia-Pacific Basmati Rice Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments Market share analysis of the top industry players Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Market forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements Buy this research report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1052004 Reasons for Buying this Report This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. About Author: HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the â&#x20AC;&#x2022;Accurate Forecastâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; in every industry we cover so

our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their ―Goals & Objectives‖. Media Contact Company Name: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Contact Person: Craig Francis Email: Send Email Phone: 2063171218 Address:Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road City: Edison State: New Jersey Country: United States Website: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1052004-asia-pacific-basmati-rice-market http://www.abnewswire.com/pressreleases/basmati-rice-market-set-to-take-giant-positiveleap_203514.html

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More Home Agriculture News National Agriculture Research Center introduces three new wheat seed, four banana verities:DG

National Agriculture Research Center Introduces Three New Wheat Seed, Four Banana Verities:DG Umer Jamshaid 3 days ago Fri 06th April 2018 | 05:00 PM

National Agriculture Research Center has introduced three high yielding wheat and four banana varieties in order to produce exportable surplus, besides ensuring food safety and security of the country ISLAMABAD, Apr 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Apr, 2018 ):National Agriculture Research Center has introduced three high yielding wheat and four banana varieties in order to produce exportable surplus, besides ensuring food safety and security of the country. Additionally the research institute has also developed three new varieties of potatoes and developed a gene bank comprising upon over 36,000 germplasm of different crops to produce seed varieties to enhance per-acre crop output in the country, said Director General National Agriculture Research Center Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali. Briefing the media about the progress and development made so far in research and development fields, he said that due to scientific research country was surplus

in all cereal food crops including wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane and all other seasonal fruits and vegetables. He said besides providing technical assistance to thousands of farmers, about 32,000 tons of canola hybrid seed were distributed among the farmers to increase oil seed production in the country and saving the foreign exchange reserves spent on the import of the commodity. He informed that the research center in collaboration with international development partners and agencies had prepared disease resistant, drought resilient seed varieties of wheat and hybrid rice and cotton to enhance the their yield and increase the farm income. Several steps have been taken in order to introduce climate smart agriculture technologies to minimize the cost of inputs and maximize output in the country and make many interventions in different fields by engaging the farming community to adopt these interventions, he added. He said that besides dissemination of research results to end users, about 35 researchers have completed their Phd programme, 154 M Phil and about 500 students were on internship. He said that NARC in collaboration with the private sector has also introduced high efficiency solar irrigation technologies for small and large land holdings across the country. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/agriculture/national-agriculture-research-center-introdu-306699.html

Scientists bring fields in Hainan back to life 0 Comment(s)

E-mailChina Daily, April 6, 2018 Adjust font size:

Professor Jiang Xingyu (R) surveys rice harvest in an experimental field in a township in the city of Wenchang in Hainan province in June 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] The 62-year-old farmer, Lin Minghuan, says he felt he was in an abyss after seeing typhoon Rammasun ruin all his crops in minutes in Wenchang on the eastern coastal Hainan island on July 18, 2014. Rammasun, which means the god of thunder in Thai, has been removed from the typhoon name list due to its destructive strength that left more than 7 million people in distress in Vietnam, the Philippines, China's Guangdong province and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, with Hainan island the epicenter of the disaster. The typhoon was the most serious in 70 years and killed 25 people, with six missing in Hainan, according to local reports. "We were heartbroken when we saw nothing would grow on the once fertile land after the fields were filled with snow-white salt crystals," says Lin from Fuqian township where Rammasun made landfall. He adds that at that time many people abandoned farming and went to search for jobs in the cities, and that the devastating scenes caused by typhoon Rammasun and Seagulls in July and September 2014 left painful memories for people in Hainan.

It was then that Jiang Xingyu came to the town with his team from Hainan University, to revive the sea-water filled fields. The two typhoonsďź?Rammasun and Seagullsďź?that hit the island province within two months, destroyed 2,700 hectares of farm land. Speaking about his experiences, Jiang, the head of the Hainan Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for salt-tolerant crops, says: "At first, we were not welcome. We were sneered at by the villagers as scholars from the city." But Jiang, who has spent more than 20 years in Shandong, Henan and Zhejiang; and abroad in the United States, Spain and Israel, doing research on salt- and alkaline-tolerant seeds was not fazed by the hostility. Explaining the issue faced in the province, he says: "Utilization of some seashore shallows in Hainan, with its coastline zigzagging for 1,823 kilometers, is pretty low due to high salinity." And, in total, China has as much as 33 million hectares of saline and alkaline land which have not been developed even as the country strives to keep its usable farmland above 120 million hectares. "So, if parts of the saline and alkaline areas can be turned into arable land, the country's agriculture will have much more space, and farmers will be benefited." Speaking about Jiang's work, Lin says: "I was shocked to see that after a few months of work by Jiang's team, our fields were covered in salt-tolerant ice plants that we sell at around 15 yuan ($2.3) for half a kilogram to hotels and restaurants (better than the price earned for local vegetables)." "We have experienced the power of science and will be happy if Jiang guides us further," he says. Giving details about the process, Jiang says: "The sorting of salt-tolerant seeds takes time, is tedious and often we did not get ideal results. "For instance, we worked with more than 400 varieties of paddy seedlings, and have finally harvested only three kinds of rice seeds.

http://www.china.org.cn/china/2018-04/06/content_50827414.htm

Living Abroad Develops Clearer Sense of Self Natalie Colarossi 2 Days Ago

Living abroad increases ―self-concept clarity,‖ or the idea that individuals have a more clear and confidently defined idea of themselves, according to a recent study conducted by social scientists at Rice University, Columbia University and the University of North Carolina. The researchers found that this trait not only increased in people who lived abroad, but also stayed more consistent and stable over time. The study is published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.

The Study The researchers conducted six studies involving 1,874 participants, including both people who have lived abroad and those who have not. The participants were recruited from online panels and U.S. and international MBA Programs, and were asked to fill out surveys. ―In most studies, we measured self-concept clarity by using either the full version or a shortened version of Campbell et al.‘s (1996) Self-Concept Clarity Scale,‖ said Hajo Adam, assistant professor of management in the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and corresponding author of the study.

In the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, psychologist Jennifer D. Campbell and a team of scientists at the University of British Columbia defined the term ―self-concept clarity‖ and created a series of questions that could be used for assessment in studies. Adam and his team used some of these questions in their research, such as: ―In general, I have a clear sense of who I am and what I am‖; ―Even if I wanted to, I don‘t think I could tell someone what I‘m really like‖; and ―I seldom experience conflict between the different aspects of my personality.‖ The participants were asked to scale the questions from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Advertisement The researchers found that those who lived abroad experienced thoughtful reflections in which they contemplated the cultural values and norms of both their home country and the foreign country they lived in. These reflections helped people evaluate their personal values and upbringings, which in turn affected their sense of self-clarity more strongly than those who had not lived abroad. ―In a world where living-abroad experiences are increasingly common and technological advances make cross-cultural travel and communication ever easier, it is critical that research keeps pace with these developments and seeks to understand how they affect people,‖ the researchers wrote in their paper. They ultimately concluded that living abroad affects the idea of self-concept by enhancing its clarity. Additionally, the researchers found that the longer people live abroad, the more reflective they become about themselves, leading to a stronger sense of self-clarity. ―We found consistent support that it is the depth (the length of time lived abroad) rather than the breadth (the number of foreign countries lived in) of living abroad experiences that enhances self-concept clarity,‖ said Adam. This study is the first to focus on the length of time lived abroad and the number of countries visited.

Study’s Implications According to the researchers, this study has direct beneficial and practical value. The benefits that can result from having a clearer sense of self include increased life satisfaction, decreased stress, job performance improvement, and clarity about what types of careers best match personal strengths and values. Knowing the benefits of living abroad can also directly affect organizations and businesses as they increasingly operate across national borders and hire foreign employees. The research team also included Otilia Obodaru of Rice University‘s Jones Graduate School of Business, Jackson Lu and Adam Galinsky of Columbia Business School, and William Maddux of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Advertisement

Natalie Colarossi Natalie Colarossi is a journalism major and global studies minor working toward her bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s degree at Ohio University. She is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has covered a number of topics including art, culture, politics, music, and travel. Her greatest passion and priority is to travel, and she hopes to experience as many places and cultures as possible https://www.tun.com/blog/living-abroad-sense-of-self/

| 06 APRIL, 2018

Iraq in talks to buy at least 30,000 tonnes U.S. rice- trade Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s trade ministry said on Tuesday it planned to start negotiations in coming days about buying U.S. rice

Image used for illustrative purposes. rice with green peas. Getty Images/ Burcu Atalay Tankut

By Michael Hogan, Reuters News HAMBURG - Iraq's state grains buyer is in talks about buying at least 30,000 tonnes of U.S.-origin rice in deals without international purchase tenders being issued, European traders said on Friday. Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s trade ministry said on Tuesday it planned to start negotiations in coming days about buying U.S. rice but gave no more details. The talks involved U.S. long grain white rice, traders said. Iraqâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s state grains board has said it plans a combination of formal international tenders and non-tender negotiations to meet its import needs.

The last round of non-tender talks in March about buying U.S.-origin rice and wheat ended without purchases. (Reporting by Michael Hogan) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 40 419 03 4275; ReutersMessaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/story/Iraq_in_talks_to_buy_at_least_30000_tonnes_US_rice_tradeTR20180406nL5N1RJ14QX2/

Chinese Scientist Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Rice-Smuggling Plot The researcher stole genetically modified seeds and planned to give them to a crop research institute in China, the US Justice Department says. By Ashley Yeager | April 5, 2018 51

FLICKR, BLOGTREPRENEURChinese

scientist Weiqiang Zhang was sentenced yesterday (April 4) to 121 months in federal prison for conspiring to steal genetically modified rice seeds from Ventria Bioscience while working at its Kansas-based facility. Zhang planned to give the seeds to a research institute in China, according to a statementfrom the US Justice Department. “Weiqiang Zhang betrayed his employer by unlawfully providing its proprietary rice seeds to representatives of a Chinese crop institute,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan says in the statement. The “sentence demonstrates the significant consequences awaiting those who would steal trade secrets from American companies.”

Zhang, who has a master’s degree in agriculture from Shengyang Agricultural University in China and a doctorate from Louisiana State University, worked as a rice breeder at Ventria Bioscience. The company develops rice seeds that are genetically reprogrammed to produce human serum albumin, a protein found in blood, or lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found in human milk. The proteins are then extracted for use as therapeutics. According to trial evidence, Zhang stole hundreds of the company’s rice seeds and stored them at his home in Manhattan, Kansas. In the summer of 2013, visitors from a crop research institute in China came to Zhang’s home, and Zhang also took them to tour research facilities in Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio. When the visitors returned home in August 2013, US Customs and Border Protection officers found seeds, including ones belonging to Ventria, in their luggage. Last February, Zhang was convicted of one count of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. “Ventria invested years of research and tens of millions of dollars to create a new and beneficial product,” says US Attorney McAllister in statement. “It is vital that we protect such intellectual property from theft and exploitation by foreign interests.”

https://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/52231/title/Chinese-Scientist-Sentenced-to-10Years-in-Prison-for-Rice-Smuggling-Plot/

Rhem: PhilRice youngest director POSTED ON APR - 5 - 2018 Google BookmarkFacebookMore

Rhemilyn Z. Relado, a woman of strength and conviction, takes her new post as the new PhilRice branch director in Los Baños and accepts the challenge to create a positive impact on the station and across Regions IV-A and IV-B. Rhem, who started her career at PhilRice in 2003, is the youngest PhilRice director to be appointed at 36. Currently, she is working on strengthening and enhancing partnerships with Los Baños-based international, national, and local agencies. Making of a leader After completing her masters‘ degree from a university in the United States, Rhem was appointed as the head of the Institute‘s Socioeconomics Division (SED) – a position she held for 8 years before becoming the acting branch director of PhilRice LB. At SED, aside from her management tasks, she researched on the technological and socioeconomic status of rice-based farm households in the 42 major rice-producing provinces across the country. She also led the ―Statistical Series on the Rice Economy‖ project, which gathers, processes, and updates rice statistics and makes the information available to rice stakeholders. She is also one of the authors of the book, ―Competitiveness of Philippine Rice in Asia‖; profiling the Asian rice farmer and comparing productivity and management practices in pesticide applications. As a passionate researcher and development worker, she is leading the project Lakbay Binhi, a mobile seed center that ―responds to the challenge of having the right amount of high-quality seeds delivered to farmers‖ in the most remote areas. The project was awarded as the Most Relevant Re-entry project by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in 2016. The project was cited for ―promoting the institutionalization of an internal [PhilRice] system to increase availability and accessibility to high-quality rice seeds by improving the complementary processes of rice breeding, seed production, promotion and commercialization, and evaluation. Her re-entry project is a significant move towards achievement of the PhilRice‘s mission to help increase productivity, profitability, and thereby attain rice sufficiency in the country.‖

Photo credit: Ruby Moselle O. Tumanguil

Preparing a leader Rhem, who hailed from Misamis Oriental, finished AB Sociology, cum laude, at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. She intended to take up law after graduation but the opportunity to work at PhilRice has gradually changed her views in agriculture and development. ―The interdisciplinary encounters manifested in agriculture make its work very broad,‖ she shared. The processes involve ―from seed to seed‖ and marketing largely cover social and economic aspects that can help deepen the understanding of the rice industry. Rhem continued her studies with MS in Agricultural and Extension Education at the Pennsylvania State University. Her stay at the top research university widened her perspectives on the importance of strong extension work. It has a holistic approach at extension education that tackles cooperative extension with a specific program for youth and families. ―It made me realize that a holistic view on extension and advancement in rice science and technology can lead to the significant progress in farm households,‖ she said. Rhem also finished her Master in Development Management at DAP and was awarded with Highest Honors in 2016. She is a member of the UPLB Sociology Society, UPLB Mindanawans, AMiCUS – UPLB Chapter, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (UP Chapter), and Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Sciences. Getting to know the leader To her friends and colleagues, Rhem is known as someone who loves to share hearty laughs and witty banters. Amidst this amiable personality is the ability to command authority with her eloquence and strong personality.

She spends her vacant time playing Plants vs. Zombies and word games. She also devotes most of her Sunday afternoons going to malls, even jokingly shares that she could stay in a mall until its closing time. Rhem is also regarded as a considerate, compassionate, and rational leader who is thoughtful of her staff‘s welfare. She does not rest on her commendable achievements but remains focused and committed to the work at hand. Taking the lead During the turnover ceremony last January 5, 2018 at the Field Service Building of the station, Rhem expressed her gratitude as she takes responsibility of being in the forefront in steering PhilRice LB. ―Magtulungan tayo,‖ she said; emphasizing the importance of working together in attaining the station‘s plans and goals. Rhem‘s topmost priority for the station is on strengthening and enhancing partnerships with international, national, and local agencies that are housed in Los Baños. ―We need to capitalize on partnerships to deliver a better impact among regions IV-A and IV-B,‖ she said. The established partnerships and the upcoming partner-organizations can consolidate the resources that the farmers need to increase their harvest and income and make them competitive. On her list also includes enhancing the station‘s internal capabilities and capacities. She will also look into the station‘s thrust to address the future needs of R & D and intends to expand on the work of past leaderships through innovations. With her management skills and achievements, Dr. Rex L. Navarro, member of the External Program and Management Review committee, said that Rhem is the kind of leader needed at PhilRice LB matches. ―She was honed and prepared to be at where she is serving right now. PhilRice Los Baños is in good hands,‖ he said. WRITTEN BY RUBY MOSELLE O. TUMANGUIL

http://www.philrice.gov.ph/featured-staff-rhemilyn-z-relado/

$25 million grant to help Penn State Health advance cancer research and care April 5, 2018

HERSHEY, Pa. — With a commitment to offering exceptional care close to home for those in central Pennsylvania, Highmark Health today announced a $25 million grant to support specialized cancer care and innovative research at Penn State Cancer Institute. The grant will provide support for development of new cancer treatment drugs, clinical trials to test promising new therapies and recruitment of leading cancer researchers in key disciplines.

Highmark grants $25 million to Penn State Cancer Institute - 4/5/18

ď&#x201A;ˇ Rosemary Manbachi, a Penn State Cancer Institute patient, rings a bell symbolizing the end of an individual's cancer treatment. Looking on are David L. Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark Health (left), and Dr. Ray Hohl, director of Penn State Cancer Institute (center). Highmark gave Penn State Cancer Institute a $25 milllon grant to improve care and experimental treatments on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Dr. A. Craig Hillemeier, CEO of Penn State Health, dean of Penn State College of Medicine and senior vice president for health affairs at Penn State, talks about the $25 million grant Penn State Cancer Institute received from Highmark on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

ď&#x201A;ˇ David L. Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark Health, talks about the $25 million grant Highmark gave to Penn State Cancer Institute on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Penn State President Eric Barron talks about the $25 million grant Penn State Cancer Institute received from Highmark on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Health Plan and Diversified Businesses, talks about the $25 million grant Highmark gave to Penn State Cancer Institute on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's secretary of health, talks about the $25 million grant Penn State Cancer Institute received from Highmark on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Dr. Ray Hohl, director of Penn State Cancer Institute, talks about the $25 million grant Penn State Cancer Institute received from Highmark on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Health Plan and Diversified Businesses (left), looks at slides with Dr. Monika Joshi (right) and David DeGraff (center). Highmark gave Penn State Cancer Institute a $25 milllon grant to improve care and experimental treatments on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Health Plan and Diversified Businesses (left), looks at slides with researcher David DeGraff. Highmark gave Penn State Cancer Institute a $25 milllon grant to improve care and experimental treatments on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Health Plan and Diversified Businesses (left), Rep. Sue Helm (center), and David L. Holmberg, president and CEO of Highmark Health, listen to Dr. Monika Joshi talk about her cancer research. Highmark gave Penn State Cancer Institute a $25 million grant to improve care and experimental treatments on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State

ď&#x201A;ˇ Highmark gave Penn State Cancer Institute a $25 million grant to improve care and experimental treatments on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Following a bell ringing ceremony to commemorate the gift, Highmark representatives, local dignitaries and others toured a Cancer Institute lab. Image: Penn State

 Dr. A. Craig Hillemeier, CEO of Penn State Health, dean of Penn State College of Medicine and senior vice president for health affairs at Penn State, talks about the $25 million grant Penn State Cancer Institute received from Highmark on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Image: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

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Previous Next In December 2017, Highmark Health and Penn State Health announced a long-term partnership that includes a $1 billion joint investment to develop a high-value, community-based health care network designed to expand local access to primary and specialty care and enhance collaboration with community physicians. ―As we said last year, we believe very strongly in the team at Penn State and the clinical expertise at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center,‖ said David Holmberg, president and CEO, Highmark Health. ―Today, through this $25 million investment in Penn State Cancer Institute, we are affirming our commitment to a collaboration between the two strongest health care brands in Pennsylvania who share a passion for providing our members and patients with unsurpassed service and quality.‖ Highmark‘s latest $25 million grant will allow the Cancer Institute to make immediate investments in research operations and transformative science. An area of emphasis will be developing research laboratory services through new shared scientific resources, which will be available to all Cancer Institute members. Examples include an Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion

laboratory—where the effects of potential new drugs can be studied—and a developmental therapeutics laboratory to develop and manage Phase 1 clinical trials. ―Penn State College of Medicine has a rich history in cancer research, from our work decades ago that contributed to the development of the world‘s first cervical cancer vaccine to the many vital studies underway today that are helping us to understand how different cancers form, spread and can be effectively prevented and treated,‖ said Dr. A. Craig Hillemeier, dean, Penn State College of Medicine; chief executive officer, Penn State Health; and senior vice president for health affairs, Penn State. ―This grant is a demonstration of Highmark‘s confidence in our ability to continue to advance discoveries that improve the lives of people with cancer.‖ Based on the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus, Penn State Cancer Institute is the region‘s leading cancer care provider. Clinical services are offered in Hershey and at two other locations in central Pennsylvania—State College, Pa., through a partnership with Mount Nittany Health, and Reading, Pa., at Penn State Health St. Joseph. With a research presence in Hershey and at the University Park campus, the Cancer Institute is the centerpiece of Penn State‘s commitment to discoveries that will lead to the prevention, treatment and cures for cancer. ―Penn State is among the leading research universities in the world, and we are committed to using that work to improve the lives of people across the region who are suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions,‖ said Penn State President Eric Barron. ―We are very grateful that Highmark is partnering with us in the fight to conquer cancer and to invest in the future of health care.‖ One of Penn State Cancer Institute‘s greatest needs is recruiting highly trained personnel to assist in project management and protocol development for translational research and clinical trials. The grant funds also will support clinical researchers developing investigator-initiated trials, enabling ―Highmark Scholars‖ to bring their research ideas into the clinic. This will allow people with cancer in central Pennsylvania, including Highmark members, the opportunity to take part in original clinical trials without traveling far from home. ―This grant will help us continue to pursue the best scientists in the world to be part of the Penn State Cancer Institute team,‖ said Dr. Raymond J. Hohl, director, Penn State Cancer Institute. ―This means we improve our knowledge about the disease, and that ultimately benefits our patients.‖ The grant announcement follows other recent developments that demonstrate Penn State Health‘s leadership in providing comprehensive cancer care in central Pennsylvania. Yesterday (April 4), Penn State Health St. Joseph announced the

expansion of its Medical Office Building in Bern Township to incorporate a new linear accelerator to treat solid tumor cancers. On April 2, Penn State Health announced development of a new Department of Radiation Oncology at Penn State College of Medicine, a move also designed to enhance recruitment of the best minds in cancer treatment and research, and trainees that will become tomorrow‘s cancer care providers. ―I am so pleased that Highmark is part of this innovative provider-payor collaboration, which is going to change and improve lives,‖ said Deborah RiceJohnson, president, Highmark Inc. ―This type of financial commitment also provides significant stability for Penn State Cancer Institute and helps ensure that our members and everyone in the community will continue to have access to highquality, affordable care.‖ Rice also said keeping cancer care for patients close to their home, families and support system can‘t be emphasized enough. She added that it is one of the great benefits of these types of provider partnerships that have resulted from the Highmark and Penn State collaboration. http://news.psu.edu/story/514496/2018/04/05/impact/25-million-grant-help-penn-state-healthadvance-cancer-research-and http://news.psu.edu/story/514496/2018/04/05/impact/25-million-granthelp-penn-state-health-advance-cancer-research-and http://news.psu.edu/story/514496/2018/04/05/impact/25-million-grant-help-penn-state-healthadvance-cancer-research-and

Zim eyes rice production to cut imports 05.04.2018

| UkrAgroConsult ZIMBABWE could cut annual rice importation expenditure of over $100 million and save the much-needed foreign currency, if the country starts commercial rice production. The country imports over 95% of its rice despite having ample production capacity underpinned by growing domestic demand for the crop. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency latest report, the country splashed $13,1 million on rice imports in February 2018 alone. Last

year,

than

$98,9

million

was

spent

between

January

and

November.

This is a cause for concern given the country‘s precarious foreign currency situation, which has left many industries on the brink of collapse.

Statistics show that the Zimbabwe produces around just a tonne of rice annually, while it imports over 250 000 tonnes. Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement deputy minister, Davis Marapira, said the government was conducting a research to find out which type of rice could be grown in the country. ―It‘s actually our policy that we should not import things that we can grow locally and the rice is one of the crops, which we have to grow locally so that we save our foreign currency. So our research department is busy researching on the best rice which we can grow locally and which can produce better results,‖ Marapira said. ―Better results in terms of yields per hectare. Like in other countries rice is doing 10 to 15 tonnes per hectare. So we want to research on rice, which we can grow here in Zimbabwe and be able to achieve at least 10 tonnes per hectare,‖ he said. Annual demand for rice in Zimbabwe increased by 300% from 50 000 tonnes in 2007 to 200 000 tonnes in 2016, according to the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers‘ Union director, Jeremiah Tevera said the country had been growing rice albeit on a small scale. ―It hasn‘t been practised extensively although there is a research that is going on for summer rice,‖ he said. Tevera

said

countries

that

produce

rice

have

got

abundant

moisture.

―We have such places in the country but are dotted. We cannot afford to do irrigated rice at the moment due to high electricity costs, water and inputs among others,‖ he said. Tevera said Zimbabwe should also do research on the appropriate knowledge of harvesting. Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services Matabeleland North provincial officer, Dumisani Nyoni, said the demand for rice was high in the country; and farmers should grow it. ―The diet has changed and people now prefer rice compared to isitshwala. What‘s happening is that we are doing a research to come up with varieties of rice, that we can grow in our region. People have been growing rice but on a very small scale. Measures are there to grow the crop locally,‖ he said. Recently, Lands, Agriculture, Rural Resettlement minister, Perrance Shiri (pictured) said the government, together with Seed Co, were carrying out final feasibility studies of rice growing and were touring various ricegrowing countries to acquaint themselves with technology and viable methods of growing the cereal. This could be good news for the country because it will help cut annual rice importation expenditure of over $80 million. Shiri said a team of experts from his ministry have already gone to Egypt to familiarise themselves with rice production in one of Africa‘s largest producer. He said preliminary research has shown that the country can produce rice using hybrid varieties without any problem. With hybrid varieties, Egyptian farmers have improved average rice production to almost 10 tonnes per hectare.

Agricultural experts say rice is now the leading provider of food calories in West Africa and Madagascar and it is now the second largest source of food energy in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.

Zim eyes rice production to cut imports 05.04.2018

year,

than

$98,9

million

was

spent

between

January

and

November.

This is a cause for concern given the country‘s precarious foreign currency situation, which has left many industries on the brink of collapse. Statistics show that the Zimbabwe produces around just a tonne of rice annually, while it imports over 250 000 tonnes. Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement deputy minister, Davis Marapira, said the government was conducting a research to find out which type of rice could be grown in the country. ―It‘s actually our policy that we should not import things that we can grow locally and the rice is one of the crops, which we have to grow locally so that we save our foreign currency. So our research department is busy researching on the best rice which we can grow locally and which can produce better results,‖ Marapira said. ―Better results in terms of yields per hectare. Like in other countries rice is doing 10 to 15 tonnes per hectare. So we want to research on rice, which we can grow here in Zimbabwe and be able to achieve at least 10 tonnes per hectare,‖ he said. Annual demand for rice in Zimbabwe increased by 300% from 50 000 tonnes in 2007 to 200 000 tonnes in 2016, according to the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers‘ Union director, Jeremiah Tevera said the country had been growing rice albeit on a small scale. ―It hasn‘t been practised extensively although there is a research that is going on for summer rice,‖ he said. Tevera

said

countries

that

produce

rice

have

got

abundant

moisture.

―We have such places in the country but are dotted. We cannot afford to do irrigated rice at the moment due to high electricity costs, water and inputs among others,‖ he said.

Tevera said Zimbabwe should also do research on the appropriate knowledge of harvesting. Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services Matabeleland North provincial officer, Dumisani Nyoni, said the demand for rice was high in the country; and farmers should grow it. ―The diet has changed and people now prefer rice compared to isitshwala. What‘s happening is that we are doing a research to come up with varieties of rice, that we can grow in our region. People have been growing rice but on a very small scale. Measures are there to grow the crop locally,‖ he said. Recently, Lands, Agriculture, Rural Resettlement minister, Perrance Shiri (pictured) said the government, together with Seed Co, were carrying out final feasibility studies of rice growing and were touring various ricegrowing countries to acquaint themselves with technology and viable methods of growing the cereal. This could be good news for the country because it will help cut annual rice importation expenditure of over $80 million. Shiri said a team of experts from his ministry have already gone to Egypt to familiarise themselves with rice production in one of Africa‘s largest producer. He said preliminary research has shown that the country can produce rice using hybrid varieties without any problem.

With hybrid varieties, Egyptian farmers have improved average rice production to almost 10 tonnes per hectare.

Agricultural experts say rice is now the leading provider of food calories in West Africa and Madagascar and it is now the second largest source of food energy in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/zim-eyes-rice-production-to-cut-imports

JC rice thief sentenced to 10 years in prison 

Staff reports

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Apr 5, 2018

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A former Manhattan rice scientist has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for stealing from a research facility, according to the Kansas U.S. Attorney’s Office. Weiqiang Zhang, 51, was convicted in February of 2017 on one count of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen

property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. He was sentenced Wednesday to 121 months in prison. Zhang worked as a rice breeder for Ventria Bioscience in Junction City, which develops genetically programmed rice for therapeutic and medical fields. According to trial evidence, Zhang took seeds from the research center and stored them at his residence in Manhattan. In the summer of 2013, Chinese researchers visited Zhang in his home in Manhattan, and he drove them to Iowa, Missouri and Ohio for tour facilities. On Aug. 7, 2013, U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection officers found seeds belonging to Ventria in the luggage of Zhang’s visitors as they prepared to return to China. Zhang is a Chinese national and U.S. legal permanent resident, according to the press release. He has a master’s degree in agriculture from Shengyang Agricultural University in China and a doctorate from Louisiana State University. Another man involved in the case pleaded guilty in October 2016 to one count of making false statements to the FBI. Wengui Yan, 62, Arkansas, was a geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Stuttgart, Arkansas at the time. He was charged with Zhang for conspiracy to steal trade secrets and theft of trade secrets. Yan is a naturalized U.S. citizen. Yan admitted in the plea that he traveled with the Chinese delegation to an Arkansas rice farm and knew they would have an opportunity to steal seeds, and that after the seeds were stolen, Yan denied knowing about the theft. According to his plea agreement, he faced 20 months in federal prison.    

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Chinese national tried to steal a valuable U.S. trade secret: Kansas rice seeds | The Kansas City Star    

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Weiqiang Zhang, a Chinese national, was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for conspiracy to steal bioengineered rice from a Kansas lab. 2013 photo KANSAS

Chinese national tried to steal a valuable U.S. trade secret: Kansas rice seeds BY MATT CAMPBELL mcampbell@kcstar.com     O O O O O O

LINKEDIN GOOGLE+ PINTEREST REDDIT PRINT ORDER REPRINT OF THIS STORY April 05, 2018 12:28 PM

As trade tensions ratchet up between the United States and China, a Chinese national was sentenced Wednesday to more than 10 years in federal prison for stealing American rice in Kansas. Very valuable, life-saving rice. In a case of intellectual property theft, Weiqiang Zhang passed the rice seed — a trade secret — to visiting researchers so they could take them back to China. The plot was thwarted when the delegation was caught at the airport. Zhang, 51, was a "rice breeder" for Ventria Bioscience in Junction City, Kan., a lab that genetically programs rice for uses in human medicine, from gastrointestinal disease to osteoporosis.

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"Ventria invested years of research and tens of millions of dollars to create a new and beneficial product," said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, in announcing the sentence. "It is vital that we protect such intellectual property from theft and exploitation by foreign interests." Zhang, a lawful permanent resident in the U.S., was a rice researcher at Kansas State University and received a doctorate in rice genetics from Louisiana State University. He began working for Ventria in 2008 and was in charge of plant breeding and nursery operations. In 2012, Zhang and a co-defendant traveled to visit a crop research institute in China where Zhang once worked. The following year, the two made arrangements for a delegation from the Chinese institute to visit Kansas. The delegation was invited on official U.S. Department of Agriculture letterhead by co-defendant Wengui Yan, a naturalized U.S. citizen who worked at the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Arkansas. Meanwhile, Zhang purloined hundreds of rice seeds from Ventria and kept them at the home he and his wife shared in Manhattan, Kan. When the delegation from China arrived, Zhang uncharacteristically requested leave from work on short notice and without explanation. When later asked about it by a supervisor, Zhang turned red. Sometime during the delegation's visit, Zhang passed to them the valuable seeds, which use recombinant DNA to create proteins that can be used to treat gastrointestinal disease, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, hepatic disease, osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Ventria invested about $75 million to develop this proprietary technology and is the only company in the U.S. that has it. The lab maintains seed banks in a climate-controlled environment. Only six employees had access to the storage area. Zhang was one of them. As the delegation was returning to China, customs agents checked their bags and found at least 79 grams of seeds. They were examined by a rice expert from the

Department of Agriculture, who determined some of them could only have come from Ventria. Lab tests confirmed it. The FBI was on the case. With a search warrant, agents found seeds in Zhang's master bedroom closet and in his kitchen freezer. Zhang denied giving seeds to the Chinese delegation and said he did not know how they obtained them. But a jury convicted Zhang of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and interstate transportation of stolen property. He was sentenced Wednesday to 121 months in federal prison without parole. Separately, Yan pleaded guilty to making false statements to investigators and is awaiting sentencing. In a news release, Acting Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department's Criminal Division applauded the sentence. "The criminal division and its law enforcement partners," he said "will continue to work closely with companies like Ventria to protect American intellectual property â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which is essential to our economy and way of life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; against all threats both foreign and domestic." COMMENTS VIDEOS Play Video

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Stanford’s rice-sized implant treats diseases by zapping individual nerves By Luke Dormehl — Posted on April 5, 2018 - 1:31PM

Jayant Charthad, Stanford University

If you ever dreamed of being a real-life cyborg, researchers at Stanford University are ready and willing to help. They developed a new type of tiny nerve-stimulation implant, which could be used to treat a wide range of different medical conditions. ―The biggest application for this work is for what are being recently called ‗electroceuticals‘ and ‗bioelectronic medicine,‘‖ Jayant Charthad, a researcher on the project, told Digital Trends. ―The idea is that many diseases that are currently treated using drugs or pills can be more effectively treated — and with fewer side-effects — by using stimulation of nerves. Examples of diseases that can be treated by nerve stimulation include chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, bladder incontinence, even diabetes, and many more. In addition to therapeutic applications, medical researchers could also use our device for conducting scientific experiments for further understanding the nervous system and discovering new treatments for diseases.‖ The tiny implantable stimulator is around the size of a medium grain of rice. This means that it could be easily implanted using minimally invasive surgery, or even injected using a needle. It‘s also capable of functioning deep inside the body, through up to 10.5 centimeters of tissue, using ultrasound to communicate with the outside world. When instructed, the device can generate a very precise therapeutic impulse to a nerve. Because it contains both electrodes and an LED, it is

able to carry out either (or both) electrical and optogenetic stimulation at a variety of amplitudes, durations, and frequencies. ―So far we have thoroughly characterized different parts of our system, and have performed in vitro demonstrations of the fully packaged implantable stimulator, as discussed in our recent paper,‖ Charthad continued. ―We have also shown the capability of stimulating the sciatic nerve of a frog. The next step is to test the fully packaged devices in larger animals, which is what we are currently working on.‖ Whether this exact model winds up being used on patients remains to be seen. However, it‘s certainly an intriguing project which offers a glimpse at the future of medicine. https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/stanford-nerve-zapping-implant/

Paddy rice shortage hits exports Sok Chan / Khmer Times Share:

Different types of rice being displayed at a traditional market. KT/Chor Sokunthea

Cambodia‘s milled rice exports fell about 3.4 percent in the first three months of the year compared with the same period last year, according to a report. Exports dropped to about 161,115 tonnes, compared with 166,678 tonnes in the same period in 2017. Last month alone 50,683 tonnes of milled rice were exported, about 12.7 percent less than the 57,127 tonnes in 2017. A report from the Secretariat of the One Window Service for Rice Export Formality says Cambodia exported rice to 63 destinations. China was on the top of the list of the importers, following by France, Malaysia, Gabon, Poland, the Netherlands and Britain. China imported about 41,412 tonnes of Cambodia‘s milled rice, France 21,581 tonnes, Malaysia 13,074 tonnes, Gabon 10,010, Poland 8,886 tonnes, and Netherland and the United Kingdom 7,131 and 5,806 tonnes respectively. Hun Lak, vice-president of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), said the slight drop in rice exports in the first three months was because of a lack of paddy rice in warehouses for processing by millers. ―Some local large rice millers have also face the lack of paddy to be processing for export because neighboring countries have purchased a lot of rice from Cambodia since late last year,‖ Mr Lak said. ―The global rice price is increasing now, and the demand is also on the rise while our neighbours have big orders for their stocks of rice.‖ He said that the issue now was that Cambodia lacked milled rice to meet demand. He added that demand was greater than supply. ―In the next three months, rice exports will not increase as it is difficult to buy paddy for processing to meet the demand,‖ he said. Song Saran, CEO of Amru Rice, one of the leading rice exporters in Cambodia, said formal exports of Cambodian rice fell slightly in the first three months but the price of Cambodian rice was good this year.

He said that the price was about $840 per tonnes for Cambodian fragrant rice and $940 per tonnes for premium rice while the price of Vietnamese rice was about $500 to $600 per tonne. Mr Saran added that Cambodia could lose some share of the Asean market, particularly in Malaysia which would be purchasing rice from Vietnam. ―The trend of Cambodian fragrant rice is better because we have the Chinese market. Therefore, the Asean market, particularly Malaysia, would be loss as they buy from Vietnam due to the low price,‖ Mr Saran said. ―We could lose the Malaysian market as we focus mostly on China. This year, the Chinese market is favourable, so rice exports are mostly flocking to China. Mr Saran said informal exports of Cambodian ride had increased. Most of it went to Vietnam. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50300095/paddy-rice-shortage-hits-exports/

Government’s neglect of neighboring countries worsens rice smuggling in Nigeria By Joke Falaju, Abuja 06 April 2018 | 4:14 am

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Smuggled rice

Attempts by the Federal Government to tame importation of rice into Nigeria through the land borders may remain elusive, as indications have emerged from industry watchers that the situation was getting worse.

The situation is such that unless drastic measures are taken against neighboring countries, local rice millers may not strive despite government‘s drive to attain self-sufficiency. Although Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Bukar Hassan, recently noted that no rice was imported into the country through the seaport in 2017, Nigerians continue to buy foreign rice. It is, however, important to note that among other countries, Thailand constitutes a major threat to the country‘s self- sufficiency drive, but there is the need to take out the landing point from where the produce are smuggled into the country. Managing Director Agro Nigeria, Richard-Mark Mbaram, at a press briefing in Abuja on the upcoming Conference on Rice scheduled for April 12 and 13, said there was the need to take definite, radical measures against the neighboring countries. He pointed out that the countries that share border with Nigeria were stockpiling rice more than they could consume to the extent that if they had to feed their people with it they would be eating rice in their sleep. He said: ―There is no point playing the big brother, there is no point putting necessities to the fore. It is about our life as a nation and the businesses of our people. These are corporate entities, if their businesses are challenged, government must let them know that if Benin Republic and Cameroun does not desist from the act, clear economic measures would be taken against them. Mbaram stressed the need to raise the issue at the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) level, adding that it should not be held under the table as people‘s businesses were being threatened and government must deploy clear measures to show their concern. He further stressed the need for government to look into the advantages that attract smugglers so as to get a better way of shifting their attention from smuggling and that bilateral agreement could be reached with countries so that they could change their stance. He pointed out that the conference was put together to chronicle the country‘s march towards self-sufficiency in rice production, noting that although the country was making steady progress in rice production, there was the need to motivate the private sector and mainstream them into action. He disclosed that Kebbi and Ogun states would participate in the conference while the big players in the industry would be given opportunity to address some of the challenges affecting the sub-sector. The Representative of Syngenta, Ephraim Manga pointed out that some of the challenges facing rice farmers include poor quality input and low technology adoption by Nigerian farmers.

https://guardian.ng/news/governments-neglect-of-neighboring-countries-worsens-rice-smuggling-innigeria/

Babu Jagjivan Ram remembered THE HANS INDIA | Apr 06,2018 , 05:13 AM IST

Minister Siddha Raghavarao and others paying tributes to Babu Jagjivan Ram on his birth anniversary

Ongole: The former deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram was one of the great leaders who worked for the welfare of SC/STs in the country, said the Minister Siddha Raghavarao. He asked the public to join him (Siddha) in the realisation of aims and dreams of the Babuji.

As part of the birth anniversary of Jagjivan Ram, the minister, Collector Vadarevu Vinaychand, MLAs Damcharla Janardhana Rao, Palaprti David Raju, Adimulapu Suresh offered rich tributes to the leader at Nellore Bus Stand Center, Ambedkar Bhavan Road and also offered garlands to statues of Dr BR Ambedkar at Prakasam Bhavan.

In the celebration of the birth anniversary at Rice Millers Association Hall, Siddha Raghavarao said that Jagjivan Ram born into a poor family of Sobharam, Basantidevi on April 5, 1908 but was actively participated in social welfare activities since childhood. As the disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, the minister said, Jagjivan Ram participated in the Quit India and other movements for the freedom of India.

He remembered the leader as the man behind the revolutionary changes in railways, food and agriculture departments by introducing many railway routes and providing food to the poor through Food Corporation of India. He said that Jagjivan Ram was the role model to any political leader to implement the Acts in the Constitution written by Dr Ambedkar in true spirit to help the SC/STs and other downtrodden people.

The Collector said that the government had spent Rs 230 crore for the welfare of SCs in the district last year. He promised to complete the construction of all pending SC/ST buildings immediately. He assured the use of Sub-plan funds for the welfare of SC/STs only and announced that he ordered the bankers to distribute loans to the SC/ST beneficiaries without delay. http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-04-06/Babu-Jagjivan-Ramremembered/372138

Rice price manipulation cannot be doneâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;traders

posted April 05, 2018 at 11:50 pm by Manila Standard    

THE Philippine Confederation of Grains Associations on Thursday relieved speculations rice millers were manipulating the price of rice in the country, saying it was impossible to do that considering the lengthy process involved in rice distribution. PCGA president Joji Co made the clarification in a television interview after National Food Authority Council chairman Leoncio Evasco claimed rice traders would increase the price of rice now that NFA rice in Metro Manila had been consumed. Co explained it would take seven to eight channels before consumers would be able to purchase rice. In a press statement, NFA administrator Jason Aquino, reacting to the call of the NFA Council for an independent audit by the Commission on Audit of the agency‟s operations, said “Our documents are ready for scrutiny.” Aquino said the food agency‟s operations were transparent, deploring accusations that there were any irregularities in its rice distribution activities as insinuated by some groups. The NFA Council is questioning NFA management why it released a lot of its rice stocks during the harvest season from October to December while distribution was low during the lean months of July to September. It is not correct to say that NFA‟s rice distribution was high during the harvest season and low during the lean months, NFA said. It added: “Over the last 10 years, records show that NFA rice distribution was in fact lowest in 2017 at 14 million bags. NFA rice distribution was highest during the rice crisis in 2008 at 40.5-million bags.

“In 2009, total rice releases was recorded at 37.4-million bags; 35.1-million bags in 2010; 22.2-million bags in 2011; 15.3-million bags in 2011; 15.1-million bags in 2012; 26.4-million bags in 2014; 18.8-million bags in 2015; and 22.9-million bags in 2016. The low distribution rate in 2017 was due to the agency‟s depleting stocks.” Part of NFA rice releases in October, November and December went to the relief agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Office of Civil Defense and local government units for their relief operations totaling 292,848 bags, it said. Total rice issued for relief operations in 2017 was 784,429 bags. Aquino explained the government contracted 250,000 metric tons imported rice in 2017 started arriving in the country only on the last week of August. Thus distribution during the lean months was calibrated due to low inventory, it said. With the arrival of fresh buffer stocks, NFA said it had to release older stocks to its network of accredited retailers nationwide to avoid deterioration. This is in line with the agency‟s total quality management program, it added. “There are more than 10-million marginalized Filipinos who are dependent on government subsidized rice. As part of our stabilization mandate, we have to continue distributing rice at any given time to be able to respond to the high demand for cheap rice as the price of commercial rice started to increase along with other commodities,” Aquino said. “We also have to serve the rice requirements of island provinces and municipalities and critical areas like Batanes, Romblon, Masbate, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan that are 60-80 percent dependent on NFA for their rice supply,” Aquino explained.

He said “As early as January 2018, NFA has been prudently allocating the remaining rice stocks in its warehouses to where it is most needed. The order of priority are: relief agencies, LGUs, government institutions, non-government organizations and accredited retailers.” http://thestandard.com.ph/news/national/262488/rice-price-manipulation-cannot-bedone-traders.html

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Zimbabwe: Vast tracks of land lying idle Home » Agribusiness » Zimbabwe : Commercial rice production on the cards AgribusinessCropsLatest News

Zimbabwe : Commercial rice production on the cards April 6, 2018

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Experts say Zimbabwe, once the breadbasket of Africa thanks to its warm climate and fertile land has potential to grow rice on a big scale if right strategies are adopted. In 2017, a Government delegation was dispatched on a familiarisation mission to Egypt to acquaint itself with technology and viable methods of growing the cereal. The Southern African country imports over 95 percent of its rice despite having ample production capacity underpinned by growing domestic demand for the crop. The country produces around a tonne of rice annually, while it imports over 250 000 tonnes. According to Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement deputy minister, Davis Marapira, research is ongoing on varieties that might give yields of ― 10 tonnes per hectare,‖. Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers‘ Union director, Jeremiah Tevera told local media that currently, production was on a small scale ―although there is a research that is going on for summer rice,‖. He said operational costs such as ―high electricity costs, water and inputs‖ mitigate against irrigating rice. The government, in collaboration with the Seed Co. has initiated feasibility studies on rice production technologies and methods in a way to enhance capacity. Despite having ample rice production capacity coupled with ability to produce rice using hybrid varieties, Zimbabwe imports over 95% of its rice. The Seed Co. has successfully tested their seed rice in Pakistan and they expect the hybrid varieties to grow well even in the local conditions. To ensure that commercial rice production is a success, the Seed Co. company will offer farmers with expertise and provide seeds needed for the programme. Seed Co has started growing rice at its research station and soon could avail seeds to many farmers, reports show. Demand for rice drastically increased to over 250 000 tonnes last year from 50 000 tonnes in 2010. Changing tastes and consumer options have seen increased preference for rice as a substitute for maize.

http://www.farmersreviewafrica.com/zimbabwe-commercial-rice-production-cards/

Rice Breeders Report Huge Productivity Gains April 06, 2018 5:53 PM ď&#x201A;ˇ

Steve Baragona

A farmer works in a rice field in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 2, 2018.

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The science behind the grain that feeds half the world may have taken a big leap forward. Scientists are reporting the biggest improvements in rice productivity in decades. If the results hold up in further tests, it could greatly increase supplies of a critical food staple at a time when the global population is growing rapidlyResearchers found a version of a gene that increased the number of branches in the flowering part of the plant. The team used conventional breeding to introduce this gene version into five rice varieties. The new strains produced from 28 to 85 percent more rice than their parents. That’s a huge increase, says University of Arkansas rice breeder Xueyan Sha. “If we can achieve, say, 6 percent, we can probably consider it a great achievement,” Sha said. Sha was not part of the new study, published in the journal Scientific Reports.

A farmer plows a paddy field to plant rice seedlings in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 2, 2018. Myanmar celebrates Peasants' Day annually on March 2 to show the country's appreciation to its laborers.

He cautions that it’s a small-scale, controlled experiment, and it’s not clear how the results will hold up in farmers’ fields. Rice yields have not improved much since the big gains of the “Green Revolution” of the 1960s, aimed at boosting grain production. Experts say big increases in food production will be necessary to feed the additional 2 billion or so people expected on the planet by 2050. Not all rice varieties tested by the scientists produced the same hefty gains. That’s another reason for caution, notes rice geneticist Shannon Pinson with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “There’s something exciting here,” Pinson said. “I don’t think it’s as exciting as Green Revolution caliber.”

New varieties will be available to farmers in two to four years. This story was written by VOA’s Steve Baragona.

Steve Baragona

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Steve Baragona is an award-winning multimedia journalist covering science, environment and health. He spent eight years in molecular biology and infectious disease research before deciding that writing about science was more fun than doing it. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a master’s degree in journalism in 2002.

Rice Grain Market Research Key Players, Industry Overview, Supply Chain and Analysis to 2017 – 2022 April 6, 2018 - by amit.p Global Rice Grain Market 2017 is a comprehensive, professional report delivering market research data that is relevant for new market entrants or established players. Key strategies of the companies operating in the market and their impact analysis have been included in the report. Furthermore, a business overview, revenue share, and SWOT analysis of the leading players in the Rice Grain market is available in the report. The report starts with a basic Rice Grain market overview. It also acts as a vital tool to industries active across the value chain and for new entrants by enabling them to take advantage of the opportunities and develop business strategies. Get PDF Sample @ https://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/request-sample/11404133 Top Key Players of Rice Grain Market: Company1, Company2, Company3, Company4, Company5. Rice Grain Market Product Type Wise Analysis: Type1, Type2.

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Scientist gets 10 years for theft of gene-modified rice U.S. customs agents found seeds in luggage headed to China by Marc S. Reisch APRIL 6, 2018

MOST POPULAR IN POLICY     

Impact factor creator and chemical information pioneer Eugene Garfield honored Scientists at India’s government labs struggle to adjust to changing priorities Canada recommits to basic science Scientist gets 10 years for theft of gene-modified rice Impact factor creator and chemical information pioneer Eugene Garfield honored

Credit: iStock Scientist Weiqiang Zhang is going to jail for stealing genetically modified rice.

Chinese scientist Weiqiang Zhang was sentenced on April 4 to more than 10 years in a federal prison for conspiring to steal samples of genetically altered rice seeds from his employer, the Kansas biotech firm Ventria Biosciences. A Kansas jury had convicted Zhang in February 2017 on theft charges, including conspiring to steal trade secrets and giving them to a visiting delegation of scientists from a Chinese crop research institute. Zhang, 51, a rice breeder, helped develop gene-altered rice designed to express recombinant proteins. Zhang’s case is similar to a number of others in which scientists have stolen intellectual property from their employer and given it to researchers in other countries. Sign up for C&EN's must-read weekly newsletter Subscribe » YES! I'd like to receive the C&EN Weekly Newsletter.

For instance, Dow AgroSciences researcher Kexue Huang pled guilty in 2011 to stealing trade secrets from Dow Chemical and Cargill and passing them on to Chinese researchers. In 2010, DuPont engineer Michael Mitchell was sentenced to 18 months in prison for passing on DuPont’s aramid fiber trade secrets to South Korea’s Kolon Industries. According to court documents and evidence the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) presented at the trial, Zhang’s role in the conspiracy surfaced in August 2013 when U.S. customs agents discovered multiple packets of Ventria rice seed in the luggage and carry-on bags of a delegation from a Chinese crop research institute. The group was headed back to China after a tour of U.S. agricultural facilities that included a visit to Zhang’s home. Some of the seed was packaged in makeshift containers, including a newspaper page folded into an envelope and a plastic bag from a Best Western Hotel. Zhang, who has a masters degree from Shengyang Agricultural University and a Ph.D. in agricultural genetics from Louisiana State University, stole hundreds of rice seeds from Ventria and stored them in his home prior to the delegation’s visit, DOJ said. The seeds included varieties developed to produce human serum albumin, contained in blood, and lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found in human milk. Separately, another scientist admitted he was part of the conspiracy and knew about plans to steal the rice on behalf of the visiting Chinese delegation, according to the DOJ. In 2016, Wengui Yan, a geneticist who worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Dale Bumpers National Research Center in Stuttgart, Ark., admitted he lied to the FBI about the plans.

Zhang and Yan had both made arrangements for the delegation’s visit and hosted the group on their U.S. tour. Also, both had visited the delegates in China prior to the tour, a fact they concealed from their employers, according to the DOJ. Yan, who has a Ph.D. in plant genetics from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is still awaiting sentencing. https://cen.acs.org/policy/intellectual-property/Scientist-10-years-theft-gene/96/web/2018/04

Opposing ‘Golden Rice’ Is AntiHuman By WESLEY J. SMITH

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April 6, 2018 3:34 PM     

A scientist shows ―Golden Rice‖ (R) and ordinary rice at the International Rice Research Institute in Los Banos, Laguna. (Erik De Castro/Reuters) Wouldn’t it be wonderful if half a million destitute children could be saved each year from blindness and/or death from Vitamin A deficiency? Well, they can be by adding a simple GMO food to their diets known as “golden rice.” Golden rice is not toxic. It does not genetically engineer, say, pesticide into the plant’s genes. It simply modifies rice to contain beta-carotene, a necessary nutrient often missing from the diets of the destitute in countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Not only that, but no Monsanto. The food is being developed by the nonprofit International Rice Research Institute, so that international corporations don’t make big bucks off the empty stomachs of the poor. From the Alliance for Science story: Many of the Golden Rice opponents subscribe to a conspiracy theory that it is part of a plot by corporations and banks to seize control of a nation‘s seeds and farming.

In reality, although Syngenta was an early research partner in the mid-2000s, Golden Rice currently is being developed in the public sector by the International Rice Research Institute and a network of partner government and academic institutions. It will be provided patent- and royalty-free to poorer farmers on a non-profit basis. Funding is provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other international and philanthropic donors. Solidarity! Stay Updated with NR Daily NR's afternoon roundup of the day's best commentary & must-read analysis.

Golden rice has now been found by several governments to be safe for human consumption: Golden Rice is now on the brink of deployment in Bangladesh, and was recently approved for consumption by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. The Canadian government also last month that ruled the rice is safe for human consumption. Although it is not intended for consumers in developed countries, approval was sought to prevent trade disruption should Golden Rice be inadvertently present in internationally traded milled rice. It should be noted that the New Zealand approval states that there is ―no risk to public health and safety‖ from golden rice And yet, anti-GMO activists, calling rice a “political crop,” continue their efforts to stifle the development and distribution of this life-saving invention, citing dubious safety concerns and worries that indigenous farmers will somehow lose their livings. Here’s how the ―Stop Golden Rice Network‖ describes its mission: Stop Golden Rice! Network (SGRN) is a regional campaign collaboration of more than 30 organizations in South Asia and South East Asia. It works against the commercialization of Golden Rice and other forms of genetically modified crops, towards a society with equity, food sovereignty, sustainable and ecology-based agriculture. To put it more honestly, it works toward ensuring that affected societies continue to be mired in poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

Golden rice has been many years in development and testing. Every reasonable objection has been investigated and safety concerns studied. The objections that remain will never be assuaged because they are entirely ideological. It’s time to ignore the food Luddites and help millions of malnourished children thrive. To do otherwise, would be anti-human.

Fears About Chinese ‘Trade War’ Are Late And Dumb China has been waging economic war against the U.S. for decades.

2018-04-09T00:02:00-04:00 Michael Cutler 1714

President Trump‘s political adversaries and globalists, including the media pundits, are frantically yelping about how the President‘s proposed tariffs against Chinese imports would spark a ―Trade war.‖ In point of fact, concerns about a trade war with China are late -- very late -- and have nothing to do with Trump‘s proposed tariffs. In reality China has, for decades, engaged in a one-sided ―trade war‖ with the United States that doesn‘t involve tariffs but wide-spread and wide-scale theft of intellectual property. One-sided relationships are not relationships! Foolishly, a succession of previous administrations have facilitated this outrageous situation. My previous FrontPage Magazine article, Educating America's Adversaries focused on the lunacy of the United States hundreds of thousands of Chinese students to study STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines and also providing them with optional practical training at U.S. corporations unwittingly providing them with the opportunity to engage in industrial espionage. My article today is predicated on an April 4, 2018 Justice Department press release, Chinese Scientist Sentenced to Prison in Theft of Engineered Rice, that reported on the sentencing of a Chinese scientist, Weiqiang Zhang, for his crimes that, although not related to military concerns, are related to intellectual property theft (trade secrets), specifically genetically engineered rice seeds with potentially profound implications. That press release begins with the following sentence: A Chinese scientist was sentenced to 121 months in a federal prison for conspiring to steal samples of a variety of rice seeds from a Kansas biopharmaceutical research facility. This excerpt from the press release provides the salient background information: Weiqiang Zhang, 51, a Chinese national, and U.S. legal permanent resident residing in Manhattan, Kansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Carlos Murguia in the District of Kansas. Zhang was convicted on Feb. 15, 2017 of one count of conspiracy to steal trade secrets, one count of conspiracy

to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. Evidence at trial established that Zhang worked as a rice breeder for Ventria Bioscience in Junction City, Kansas. Ventria develops genetically programmed rice to express recombinant human proteins, which are then extracted for use in the therapeutic and medical fields. Zhang has a master‘s degree in agriculture from Shengyang Agricultural University in China and a doctorate from Louisiana State University. According to trial evidence, Zhang acquired without authorization hundreds of rice seeds produced by Ventria and stored them at his residence in Manhattan. The rice seeds have a wide variety of health research applications and were developed to produce either human serum albumin, contained in blood, or lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found, for example, in human milk. Ventria spent millions of dollars and years of research developing its seeds and cost-effective methods to extract the proteins, which are used to develop lifesaving products for global markets. Ventria used locked doors with magnetic card readers to restrict access to the temperature-controlled environment where the seeds were stored and processed. Zhang conspired with other citizens of China as noted in this paragraph: Trial evidence demonstrated that in the summer of 2013, personnel from a crop research institute in China visited Zhang at his home in Manhattan. Zhang drove the visitors to tour facilities in Iowa, Missouri and Ohio. On Aug. 7, 2013, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found seeds belonging to Ventria in the luggage of Zhang‘s visitors as they prepared to leave the United States for China. This case is infuriating on a number of levels. First of all, Zhang was provided lawful immigrant status, placing him, should he have so desired, on the pathway to United States citizenship. He also obtained a first-rate education in the United States, having received his Phd from Louisiana State University. America had opened its heart and doors to Zhang and an opportunity to live the ―American Dream.‖

Rather than express gratitude for America‘s generosity, he betrayed America and the American company for which he worked. Zhang and his Chinese cohorts saw in America‘s kindness and generosity, weaknesses that could be easily exploited. This specific case calls to mind the statements of Mitt Romney who, during his campaign for the presidency, repeatedly said that when the United States provides foreign students with an education, we should ―staple Green Cards on their diplomas so that they don‘t go half-way across the world when they graduate.‖ Of course Mitt is hardly the only politician to urge the admission of huge numbers of foreign students and call for them to be granted lawful immigrant status upon their graduation from American universities. The best way of addressing concerns that foreign students will leave the United States upon graduation is to make certain that American students should fill those classrooms, lecture halls and laboratories. When American students graduate they are likely to go no further than half-way across town, or perhaps, half-way across the United States, but not half-way across the earth. While it was not disclosed whether Zhang was granted lawful immigrant status before or after he secured his doctoral degree from Louisiana State University, we do know he conspired to send stolen intellectual property, that the genetically modified rice seeds represented, from his U.S. employer half-way around the world his native China, our Most Favored Nation trade ―partner.‖ Those rice seeds and the methodology used to create them, that Zhang stole, required years of hard work and an investment of millions of dollars. They can be used for wide-ranging health science applications and will likely generate huge profits in the global marketplace. This case is, unfortunately, not an isolated case. Understandably President Trump has decided that ―enough is enough‖ and has proposed to impose tariffs on Chinese imports. However, the globalists such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have expressed their displeasure at the President‘s actions, concerned about a possible ―trade war‖ blithely ignoring that for decades, China‘s trade policies and currency manipulation and increasing belligerent conduct is harmful and dangerous to America and Americans.

These globalists and prior administrations also know that China has engaged in massive industrial espionage in the United States and their computer programmers hack corporate and government computers thousands of times. The ever-increasing scope, magnitude and sophistication of Chinese computer hacking and cyber-espionage are worrying, to say the least. On October 5, 2017 Newsweek published an article, Cyberwar: How Chinese Hackers Became A Major Threat To The U.S. that paints a clear and extremely troubling picture about China‘s increasing hacking activities that threaten U.S. national security. Again, the question that must be asked is how many members of the Chinese ―Hacking army‖ were educated in the United States? Here is a brief excerpt from the Newsweek article: In its 2015 Global Threat Report, the American cyberintelligence firm CrowdStrike identified dozens of Chinese adversaries targeting business sectors that are key to the Five-Year Plan. It found 28 groups going after defense and law enforcement systems alone. Other sectors victimized worldwide included energy, transportation, government, technology, health care, finance, telecommunications, media, manufacturing and agriculture. China‘s theft of military and trade secrets has been so rampant that editorial cartoonists Jeff Parker and Dave Granlund depicted it as ―Chinese takeout.‖ On November 27, 2017 the DOJ issued a press release, U.S. Charges Three Chinese Hackers Who Work at Internet Security Firm for Hacking Three Corporations for Commercial Advantage, that began with this statement: An indictment was unsealed today against Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei, all of whom are Chinese nationals and residents of China, for computer hacking, theft of trade secrets, conspiracy and identity theft directed at U.S. and foreign employees and computers of three corporate victims in the financial, engineering and technology industries between 2011 and May 2017. The three Chinese hackers work for the purported China-based Internet security firm Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company Limited (a/k/a ―Boyusec‖). While those alleged computer hackers allegedly committed their crimes from China and without entering the United States, questions that were not addressed in the press

release include whether any of the indicted alleged hackers were educated in the United States or if any other Chinese citizens may have worked for any of the companies that were targeted for the cyber attack to enable them to more easily gain access to the computer networks that were attacked. My dad taught me that there are no mistakes in life, only lessons- provided that we learn from those instances when things go wrong. He also taught me that we teach those with whom we interact as to how they should treat us be demonstrating what we will and won‘t accept. For far too long the United States has refused to stand up to nations such as China, that certainly do not have America‘s best interests at heart. In point of fact, Chinese intransigence has been unaffected by a succession of administrations that provided China with carrots such as conferring upon China Most Favored Nation status but few, if any ―sticks.‖ Trump‘s policies are consistent with my dad‘s sage advice and are a welcome change from the spineless approach of past administrations. President Trump needs to take a hard look at the issuance of student visas to citizens of China, particularly where STEM courses of study are concerned. https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/269824/fears-about-chinese-trade-war-are-late-and-dumb-michaelcutler.

NFA council abolished 

April 6, 2018

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Written by Efren Montano

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Published in Top Stories

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F E AT U R E D

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the abolition of the inter-agency National Food Authority (NFA) council. The NFA council, which decides on rice importation, is different from the NFA, the state grains agency. The NFA council includes representatives from the finance, trade and socioeconomic development departments and the Bangko Sentral. “Binuwag na niya ang NFA council at ililipat niya ang NFA at iba pang ahensiya na may kaugnayan sa agrikultura na naalis sa Department of Agriculture (DA) ay babalik sa DA,” Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol bared. The NFA Council under Duterte is headed by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. and administrated by former Jason Aquino, a former Scout Ranger who is also NFA administrator. Duterte decided to abolish the council during a meeting with rice traders in Malacañang late Thursday. The meeting followed reports that the NFA was short on supply of government-subsidized rice, Piñol said. Duterte asked businessmen not to take advantage of the lack of NFA rice on the market, Piñol said.

Starting next week, rice traders in Metro Manila committed to sell 100,000 bags a week to the NFA at P39 per kilo, until rice imports arrive, he said. Piñol said the executive branch was looking to expand the mandate of the NFA as soon as its administration is turned over to the Department of Agriculture. The Agriculture Department will study how the NFA can “be involved in the distribution and transport” of basic food commodities across the country, he said. Meanwhile, Malacañang said President Duterte wants the National Food Authority (NFA) placed under the Office of the President. “The President expressed his intent to place the National Food Authority under the Office of the President,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque in a statement. The NFA is currently under the supervision of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr., through Duterte‟s very first executive order. Duterte also wants Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat to be in charge of rice importation. “The President is considering the approval of rice importation to be centralized under the Office of the DA Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, subject to the review of the Office of the Executive Secretary,” said Roque. Rice importation had been the purview of the NFA, supervised by the NFA Council. The council is headed by Evasco, while NFA management is led by Administrator Jason Aquino.

http://www.journal.com.ph/news/top-stories/nfa-council-abolished

Zimbabwe : Commercial rice production on the cards April 6, 2018

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Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimbabwe: ZIMBABWE is reviving long standing plans of embarking on full scale commercial rice production with research on the feasibility currently underway with high-yield hybrid rice varieties being preferred. Experts say Zimbabwe, once the breadbasket of Africa thanks to its warm climate and fertile land has potential to grow rice on a big scale if right strategies are adopted. In 2017, a Government delegation was dispatched on a familiarisation mission to Egypt to acquaint itself with technology and viable methods of growing the cereal. The Southern African country imports over 95 percent of its rice despite having ample production capacity underpinned by growing domestic demand for the crop. The country produces around a tonne of rice annually, while it imports over 250 000 tonnes. According to Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement deputy minister, Davis Marapira, research is ongoing on varieties that might give yields of â&#x20AC;&#x153; 10 tonnes per hectare,â&#x20AC;?.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers‟ Union director, Jeremiah Tevera told local media that currently, production was on a small scale “although there is a research that is going on for summer rice,”. He said operational costs such as “high electricity costs, water and inputs” mitigate against irrigating rice. The government, in collaboration with the Seed Co. has initiated feasibility studies on rice production technologies and methods in a way to enhance capacity. Despite having ample rice production capacity coupled with ability to produce rice using hybrid varieties, Zimbabwe imports over 95% of its rice. The Seed Co. has successfully tested their seed rice in Pakistan and they expect the hybrid varieties to grow well even in the local conditions. To ensure that commercial rice production is a success, the Seed Co. company will offer farmers with expertise and provide seeds needed for the programme. Seed Co has started growing rice at its research station and soon could avail seeds to many farmers, reports show. Demand for rice drastically increased to over 250 000 tonnes last year from 50 000 tonnes in 2010. Changing tastes and consumer options have seen increased preference for rice as a substitute for maize. Share this:

Zimbabwe : Commercial rice production on the cards April 6, 2018

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http://www.farmersreviewafrica.com/zimbabwe-commercial-rice-production-cards/

Global Rice Milling Machinery Market boosting the growth Worldwide: Market dynamics and trends, efficiencies Forecast 2022 April 6, 2018 - by amit.p

The Global Rice Milling Machinery Market Research Report is an in-depth study and professional analysis on the current state of the Rice Milling Machinery market. Company Profile, Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Revenue, Supply, Import, Export and Consumption covered in Rice Milling Machinery industry report. Global Rice Milling Machinery market is a growing market in Machinery and Equipment sector at present years. The Rice Milling Machinery has uncovered rapid development in the current and past years and is probably going to proceed with a continuing development in the upcoming years. Top Key Players of Rice Milling Machinery Market: Company1, Company2, Company3, Company4, Company5. Get PDF Sample @ https://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/request-sample/11402412 After the basic information, the report sheds light on the production. Production plants, their capacities, production and revenue are studied. Also, the Rice Milling Machinery market growth in various regions and R&D status are also covered Major classifications are as follows: Type1, Type2. Major applications are as follows: Application1, Application2 & more. Following are major Table of Content of Rice Milling Machinery Industry:      

Rice Milling Machinery Market Sales Overview. Rice Milling Machinery Market Sales Competition by Manufacturers. Rice Milling Machinery Market Sales Analysis by Region. Rice Milling Machinery Market Sales Analysis by Type. Rice Milling Machinery Market Analysis by Application. Rice Milling Machinery Market -Manufacturers Analysis.

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USDA Implements Up to $2.36 Billion to Help Agricultural Producers Recover After 2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires USDA Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America's farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires. The funds are available as part of the new 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). Sign-up for the new program, authorized by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, will begin no later than July 16. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make these disaster payments to agricultural producers to offset losses from hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and devastating wildfires. The 2017 calendar year was a historic year for natural disasters, and this investment is part of a broader

suite of programs that USDA is delivering to rural America to aid recovery. In total, the Act provided more than $3 billion in disaster relief by creating new programs, and expediting or

enhancing payments for producers. WHIP disaster payments are being issued in addition to payments through traditional USDA programs, some of which obtained increased funding or had amendments made by the Act to make the programs more responsive. FSA will distribute more information on how producers can file claims for WHIP disaster payments at a later date. For questions on how to establish farm records to be prepared when WHIP disaster signup begins, or to learn about other disaster assistance programs, producers are asked to contact their local USDA service center.

U.S. Rice Common Thread in Traditional Southern Cuisine By Lesley Dixon

ARLINGTON, VA -- Two new cookbooks are exploring the relationship between rice and the traditional cuisine of regions in the South. Secrets of the Southern Table: A Food Lover's Tour of the Global South by Virginia Willis takes readers on a vivid sensory journey through Louisiana rice country, while The Austin Cookbook by Paula Forbes is a love letter to the land of barbecue, breakfast tacos, and Tex-Mex.

Both books are testaments to how a region's culture is largely defined by its food. The recipes collected and created by Willis and Forbes are the product of hundreds of years of history, unique geography and climate, and population migration. The Cajun dishes of Willis's childhood in Louisiana are a result of the historical Creole melting pot of the area, and the modern flavors of Central Texas are influenced by Northern Mexican and Tejano traditions, including the "Chili Queens" of San Antonio. Willis warns readers against lumping the South into one big category, and these two cookbooks couldn't be more different. But one of the threads that connects them is U.S.-grown rice. From Texas to Louisiana to South Carolina, rice holds all these Southern delicacies together. Chef Virginia Willis visits with rice producer Christian Richard on his farm in Kaplan LA

"Southerners are rice people," said Willis, explaining that while she grew up eating Cajun food in Louisiana, her grandmother in South Carolina also raised her on rice with very different flavor profiles.

"Rice is essential to Texas cuisine!" added Forbes. "People have been growing rice in Texas for almost 200 years. It's not just a part of Tex-Mex but also Texas Gulf Coast dishes like jambalaya, barbecue sides, and more." Everyone's got their own favorites. Willis reminisces fondly about gumbo, while Forbes says she's a big fan of Texmati when she's cooking curries, but she also loves the wonderful texture of Calrose.

One thing everyone can agree on is that it's essential to use U.S. rice in all these recipes. Willis thinks it's important to buy local and regional whenever possible. "In terms of culinary heritage, it makes the most sense. Of course you could make ĂŠtouffĂŠe with Asian basmati, but why would you?"

Secrets of the Southern Table: A Food Lover's Tour of the Global South will be released May

1 through most major booksellers, and is currently available for pre-order through Amazon. The Austin Cookbook was released last month and is also available anywhere books are sold.

A rough rise to the top of the rice heap

By GEOFFREY MOHAN APR 06, 2018 | 7:00 AM

David Janow is chief executive of Axiom Foods, a Los Angeles start-up that entered the rice protein market when it was viewed only as an ingredient of animal feed. Now, he has cornered the $150-million market for the alternative protein as it shifts from the sports-supplement aisle toward a ubiquitous ingredient of products on nearly every grocery store shelf.

Career choices Janow, 48, first studied psychology and biology as an undergraduate, switched to international business and finance, got an MBA, then a law degree, and landed at blue-blood law firms on Wall Street. He knew soon enough it was the wrong address. “Not until you become a lawyer, working for a law firm, do you really decide that you want to work for yourself,” he said. “When you’re working 90 hours a week, it’s not much fun. You make a lot of money, but you don’t have time to spend it. Then you go away for two weeks on extravagant vacations because you have so much money saved, but you dread coming back.”

From law to dog food By 2002, Janow had ditched his legal career to work alongside his father, who ran a commodity brokering business, sourcing beverage ingredients such as

ascorbic acid and caffeine. He also eyed his father-in-law’s line of work, pet food stores. Somebody has to sell ingredients to pet food companies, he thought. So Janow cold-called two major pet food companies to ask what they needed most. Their answer may as well have been “vibranium” to him. They wanted rice protein. Lots of it. “I had no idea what it was at the time,” Janow said. “It wasn’t even on Wikipedia.” As it turns out, rice protein was considered little more than an industrial waste in Asia — a largely unmarketable byproduct of making monosodium glutamate. Janow put out some feelers and soon found a supplier. “I got a hit for 35 million pounds of product — made in a shack, believe it or not, at that time. I bought at 15 cents a pound, and I sold at 55 cents,” he said. A business idea was born, sort of.

From dogs to humans Back then, rice protein from the MSG industry was weakly concentrated — about 55%. Janow knew just enough biology and chemistry to see an opportunity. “I thought to myself, if it’s good for dogs and cats and animals, I assume it might be good for humans as well,” he said. He paired up with a consultant and began experimenting with ways to make rice protein more concentrated and bring it up to human grade.

Janow and his partners came up with an all-natural process similar to making sake — fermenting the rice, then putting it through a series of separation and extraction stages to end up with “fractions,” such as starch syrup and protein. He got the protein concentration to 65%, which became an industry standard. Except it was an industry waiting for a customer.

It turned out that it was a vegan play, it was a nonGMO play, it was a hypoallergenic play, it was a gluten-free play. David Janow, CEO of Axiom Foods

More success stories from How I Made It »

Talking the talk Janow hit the road as a one-man TED talk on the wonders of rice, showing PowerPoint after PowerPoint at conferences, trying to convince the food industry that rice was the new whey, a nonallergenic alternative to the dairy derivative that some consumers can’t digest well. He touted his enzyme-driven process to extract protein without using hexane, a neurotoxin.

Legal troubles Just as he gained traction in 2007, pets started dying mysteriously. U.S. food authorities traced the poisonings to Chinese rice protein in pet foods — unscrupulous suppliers had learned they could game the protein qualitycontrol tests by spiking their wares with melamine, a high-nitrogen compound used in plastics manufacture.

The ensuing recalls, impounds and testing held up most of Axiom’s humangrade protein shipments, just as it had invested heavily in expansion. “By 2009 I was almost bankrupt,” Janow said. “You don’t realize these hurdles until you hit them.”

Millennial shift Food trends rapidly shifted in Axiom’s favor. Consumers began to turn away from meat, adopt vegan diets and demand that the makers of their food prove they had a sustainable and low-impact supply chain free of chemicals and processes that were rapidly falling out of favor. This has come to be known as the “clean label” trend. Makers of juices, cereals, health bars and other goods clamored for a substitute for soy protein — made from genetically modified plants — and whey. “It turned out that it was a vegan play, it was a non-GMO play, it was a hypoallergenic play, it was a gluten-free play. While I was developing it, the product actually hit and fell into all these different areas,” Janow said. It took six years for the Food and Drug Administration to overcome its deep skepticism of rice protein — the agency in 2015 granted a “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, imprimatur to it. This year, Axiom won a patent for its production process, which now can reach levels of 90% protein.

Still solo Axiom, which got where it is without outside venture capital, isn’t interested in going public, Janow said. “We’re undervalued right now,” he said. “I’d be a penny stock at the most.”

That said, Janow believes the market is shifting rapidly in his favor; under current practices, the world simply can’t keep feeding grain to animals to get their protein. “I’ve been offered to be bought out a few times. I still think we’re at the tip of the iceberg. To be honest, I think this can be a billion-dollar industry within five to seven years,” Janow said. “I just need to build the capacity and infrastructure for it.”

What’s next Running a 65-employee company that controls as much as 95% of the rice protein market is not Wall Street lawyering, but it’s no picnic. Shortly after returning from a late March business trip to China, Janow took his teen son and fiancee skiing in Park City, Utah. After that, he planned to hit the road again, trying to keep up with the demands of major consumer packaged goods companies. “The faster you grow, the less supply you have, because they just want more,” Janow said. “They don’t want a little bit of product; they want a lot.” Axiom hopes to meet some of that demand by building its first U.S. factory this year, in Tennessee.

Food for thought It’s no surprise that an ingredients entrepreneur would see his career as the product of simple building blocks: “Patience and persistence, the two Ps,” Janow said. “Don’t give up. I still today believe in it. I’m still convinced rice protein can be the next protein that will help the world,” Janow said. “I just stuck to it. Even

when I was going through bankruptcy.… You get a little luck and believe in what you’re doing and the next thing you know, you’re on your way.”

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Geoffrey Mohan

CONTACT

Geoffrey Mohan joinedtheLos AngelesTimesin2001from Newsday,wherehewasthe Latin America bureau chief in MexicoCity.Hestarted off here as astatewideroamer, detoured to cover the AfghanistanandIraqwars and waspartoftheteamthat won the Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the California wildfires in2003.He served as an editor on the metro and foreign desks before returning toreportingon science in 2013.Nowhe’scomingfullcircle,roamingthe stateinsearchofstoriesaboutfarming and food.

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