NEW ORLEANS, La. (TWILA) — More than 28,000 metric tons of American rice is headed to Kenya through USDA’s Food for Peace program, with much of the rice grown in Louisiana.
Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said the shipment will help feed one million people. The program, which recently moved under USDA leadership, also creates another market for American farmers while helping feed people facing hunger overseas.
For Louisiana growers facing tight margins and a large rice carryover, shipments like this can help strengthen the market heading into next season.
Related Stories
Some growers are seeing below-normal yields after a difficult start to the season.
Shrimpers and dock operators are facing higher fuel costs and weak prices as the fall season approaches.
Input costs, labor shortages and trade concerns topped the discussion during a farm roundtable.
Researchers say the new varieties offer improved disease resistance, grain quality and yield potential.
Solid yields are providing some relief as one operation prepares to pass the farm to the next generation.
Harvest is underway, but producers say profitability remains a challenge.