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Customs authorities probe alleged abuse of rice import permits Philippines Agriculture Secretary to Clarify on Overpricing of Rice Imports from Vietnam Oryza Quick Glance at World News Philippines Agriculture Secretary to Clarify on Overpricing of Rice Imports from Vietnam Pakistan Raises Concerns About India Rice Subsidies at WTO Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap Freezing Temps and Icy Roads Bring Market to a Standstill Oryza Rice Currency Analysis for Today Mexico Peso, India Rupee Advance 0.9% Oryza Afternoon Recap Chicago Rough Rice Futures Make Last Minute Push to Close Above Nearby Technical Resistance Philippines Rejects Thailands Counter-Offer to Supply Rice in November 2013 Tender South Korea Per Capita Rice Consumption Declines 3.7% in 2013 Oryza Overnight Recap Chicago Rough Rice Futures See Double Digit Gains Overnight as Spread Activity Picks Up Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Today Philippines Agriculture Secretary to Clarify on Overpricing of Rice Imports from Vietnam India Basmati Rice GI Application to Exclude Central State Madhya Pradesh Oryza Shares Press Release - Arkansas Rice Federation Congratulates Lawmakers on Farm Bill Compromise, Urges Congress to Support Oryza Share Press Release - Arkansas Rice Farmers To Hold Election for Board of Directors Oryza Global Rice Quotes
NEWS DETAILS: customs authorities probe alleged abuse of rice import permits
Wed, January 29 2014 14:48 | 289 Views
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian customs authorities are investigating the alleged abuse of permits to import Vietnamese rice, which had sparked a polemic at the Cipinang wholesale market in East Jakarta."The Directorate General of Customs and Excise will soon take anticipatory steps in response to the alleged abuse (of
the rice import permits) at an operational level in the customs service and supervision system," Director General of Customs and Excise Susiwijono Moegiarso stated in a press statement released on Tuesday. He noted that the import of 16.9 thousand tons of rice complied with the standing procedures and rules, the given import approvals, surveyors reports and the automated reconciliation from the Indonesian National Single Window portal .However, he did not rule out the possibility of the import permits being abused on the grounds that the permits used written approvals intended to import special rice instead of general rice which can be imported by state logistics board (Bulog)."This has happened as the HS codes of the two types of rice are the same: 1006.30.99.00. The Directorate General of Customs and Excise is investigating the alleged abuse of the import permits, including the audit of the surveyors reports," he explained.Under the Trade Ministers Regulation No.06/M-DAG/PER/2/2012, the import of rice, with headings 1006.30.99.00, can be done only by Bulog with approval from the ministry to stabilize price, cope with a state of emergency, provide subsidized rice for the poor, or address food scarcity issues.Last year, the ministry issued a permit to import 16.9 thousand tons of special rice, consisting of 1,845 tons of the Basmati variety and 14,997 tons of the Japonica variety. According to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, the rice imports from Vietnam were shipped 83 times and involved 58 importers other than Bulog. The rice was imported via Tanjung Priok port in North Jakarta and Belawan port in North Sumatra.The rice imports were supported by import permits and surveyors reports. On Tuesday, Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan pledged to take stern measures against abusers of the rice import permits, explaining that the permits were issued according to the standing procedure and recommendation from the Agriculture Ministry.However, he added that the Trade Ministry had yet to find evidence pointing toward the abuse of rice import permits. (S012/INE) Reporting by Satyagraha EDITED BY INE ,(KR-BSR/O001) Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Philippines Agriculture Secretary to Clarify on Overpricing of Rice Imports from Vietnam

Jan 28, 2014
Members of the Committee on Agriculture and Food will summon the Philippines Agriculture Secretary to clarify about the alleged overpricing of rice imports from Vietnam in 2013 by about P825 million ($18.2 million), according to local sources.The committee chaired by the Butil party-list representative Agapito Guanlao reportedly took the decision after a National Food Authority (NFA) official allegations may have arisen because the NFA, which imports rice in case of shortages, delivers the imports from the ports to various warehouses throughout the country. He demanded that the NFA official revealed the cost of delivery from port to all warehouses. But when the NFA official failed to provide the figures, the panel decided to summon the Agriculture Secretary who also heads the NFA Council to clarify.
After the hearing, the Peasant Movement of the Philippines (Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas - KMP) representative said the Agriculture Secretary and the NFA Administrator have to also explain about the rice smuggling that is rampant in the country. He criticized the Farmers as Importers Program (FIP), under which the government through the NFA allows farmers groups or their cooperatives to import a specific volume of rice, based on the commitment on rice importation under the World Trade Organization (WTO). He noted that the program was a legal cover provided by the NFA to the rice cartels and smugglersfailed to provide details on the overpricing. The panel called for a hearing on the overpricing of government's rice imports from Vietnam after media reports alleged that about 205,700 tons of rice imports in April 2013 were overpriced by $34 per ton, while 500,000 tons of imported rice in November were overpriced by $23.69 per ton. The imported rice was meant to serve as buffer stock for the December 2013 - March 2014 period.The NFA administrator was questioned over the computation of the pricing of rice imports. The Chairperson says that the overpricing.According to the country's Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief John P.Sevilla, the country lost revenue of nearly P7 billion (around $154 million) due to rice smuggling in 2013.
Tags: Philippines rice imports, Department of Agriculture Philippines, Vietnam rice exports
Oryza Quick Glance at World News

Jan 28, 2014
Financial Times *The Obama administration has reached an agreement with leading technology companies, including Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and LinkedIn, that allows them to give customers more details about the online data collected by government agencies. *Emerging market countries faced fresh pressure on Monday to put up interest rates as Brazil warned that others would need to follow its lead in tightening monetary policy and Turkeys central bank convened an emergency rate-setting meeting. *Britain is pushing for Mario Draghi to be stripped of his automatic right to head Europes top financial risk watchdog as it seeks to curtail the influence the ECB will have following the creation of a eurozone banking union. *The E.U. is seeking to include financial regulation in a sweeping trade pact with the U.S., arguing that leaving it out of any deal would represent a threat to global financial stability. *The UAE is considering investing in U.S. and Canadian gas projects to take advantage of low prices created by the shale boom, as Gulf States increasingly turn to imports to meet soaring domestic energy demand. *The heads of the worlds two largest exchange operators by market value, CME Group and IntercontinentalExchange, have warned against proposals to force open Europes clearing houses, arguing policy makers could undermine the stability of global markets. *The monthly survey from National Australia Bank says its index of business conditions rose from four to seven in December, with most industries recording improvement. The move upward is supported by low interest rates, rising asset prices and a falling currency.
*Economic growth in Taiwan, the tech industry-focused island whose GDP performance reflects developed world consumer demand, rose 2.92% in the fourth quarter of 2013, year on year. Economists had forecast 1.83% growth. Wall Street Journal*India's central bank announced a surprise increase in its key lending rate by 0.25 percentage point to 8.0% on Tuesday, signaling its resolve to fight rising prices even as the South Asian economy faces its slowest growth in a decade. *At least 10 people were injured in the Cambodian capital on Monday when military police broke up a demonstration in front of the Information Ministry, as the government continues trying to enforce a citywide ban on protests. *Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the E.U.'s headquarters in Brussels in coming months, China and E.U. officials said Monday. They did not provide a date for the meeting, but said it underscored the maturing relationship between China and the bloc of 28 European nations. *Iran and global powers will begin negotiations on a comprehensive agreement to end the decade long dispute over Tehran's nuclear program in mid-February in New York, Western, and Iranian officials said on Monday. *The IMF has cleared Uganda to increase its debt ceiling on non-concessional borrowing by up to 47%, to allow the East African nation to fund ambitious hydroelectric projects aimed at addressing chronic power shortages. *Investors in European banks received the second shock in so many weeks on Monday after Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC warned of surprise 3 billion provision and dip in its capital levels. *India will continue the restrictions on gold imports at least until the end of this financial year to keep a lid on the country's current-account deficit, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said Monday. *Argentina's government on Monday tried to prevent last week's currency devaluation from turning into a financial crisis by allowing Argentines to swap some of their pesos for dollars online, but there were signs the move could fall short. New York Times*European officials sought on Monday to keep the pressure on Greece to honor its previously agreed spending and privatization targets as they wrestled with the need to help Athens bridge a funding gap that could reach 15 billion over the next two years. *U.S. has approved the delivery of six Apache attack helicopters to the Iraqi military, Pentagon and congressional officials said Monday. The leased Apaches will not arrive in Iraq until this summer after they have been equipped and Iraqi pilots have been trained. *Siemens' savings program yielded cost cuts of 165 million euros ($225.6 million) in the German engineering group's fiscal first quarter, its finance chief Ralf Thomas told journalists on Tuesday. *India on Monday lifted an unofficial ban on commercial flights of Airbus Group N.V's A380 jet, allowing international airlines to start operations with the superjumbo to four of the country's largest airports. *Turkey's central bankbeset by political instability, tumbling confidence and one of the world's fastest falling currenciessaid that it will convene an emergency meeting Tuesday, a move that could test whether oncegolden emerging markets can avert a destabilizing crisis. *U.S. ethanol makers are banking on export markets as they grapple with Obama administration plans to cut U.S. consumption requirements, but the industry is hampered by a distribution structure built almost exclusively around the domestic market.

Jan 28, 2014
Members of the Committee on Agriculture and Food will summon the Philippines Agriculture Secretary to clarify about the alleged overpricing of rice imports from Vietnam in 2013 by about P825 million ($18.2 million), according to local sources.The committee chaired by the Butil party-list representative Agapito Guanlao reportedly took the decision after a National Food Authority (NFA) official failed to provide details on the overpricing. The panel called for a hearing on the overpricing of government's rice imports from Vietnam after media reports alleged that about 205,700 tons of rice imports in April 2013 were overpriced by $34 per ton, while 500,000 tons of imported rice in November were overpriced by $23.69 per ton. The imported rice was meant to serve as buffer stock for the December 2013 - March 2014 period. The NFA administrator was questioned over the computation of the pricing of rice imports. The Chairperson says that the overpricing allegations may have arisen because the NFA, which imports rice in case of shortages, delivers the imports from the ports to various warehouses throughout the country. He demanded that the NFA official revealed the cost of delivery from port to all warehouses. But when the NFA official failed to provide the figures, the panel decided to summon the Agriculture Secretary who also heads the NFA Council to clarify.After the hearing, the Peasant Movement of the Philippines (Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas - KMP) representative said the Agriculture Secretary and the NFA Administrator have to also explain about the rice smuggling that is rampant in the country. He criticized the Farmers as Importers Program (FIP), under which the government through the NFA allows farmers groups or their cooperatives to import a specific volume of rice, based on the commitment on rice importation under the World Trade Organization (WTO). He noted that the program was a legal cover provided by the NFA to the rice cartels and smugglers.According to the country's Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief John P.Sevilla, the country lost revenue of nearly P7 billion (around $154 million) due to rice smuggling in 2013.
Pakistan Raises Concerns About India Rice Subsidies at WTO

Jan 28, 2014
In a representation to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Agriculture (CoA), Pakistan has asked India to furnish details of rice exports in the last two years and to clarify if all non-basmati rice varieties were eligible for market price support.Pakistan has raised concerns about Indias rice subsidies in less than two months after the WTO's ninth ministerial conference in Bali, Indonesia, took place in December 3-6, 2013. WTO had decided in the conference that there would be no legal action on the developing countries for breaching farm subsidy limits (which are fixed at 10% of total produce) on items covered under the country's
food security programs.Local sources say that India is likely to breach the WTO prescribed subsidy limits once the Food Security Program is fully implemented. Under the program, the Indian government promises 5 kilograms of subsidized food grains to about two-thirds of its population. However, WTO limits on subsidies would not apply to food grains that are to exported outside the country. Under WTO rules, India must also supply all data related to production, pricing, procurement and subsidies demanded by WTO members who would want to ensure that subsidized food was not distorting the global market.Since the WTO Bali meeting, Pakistan is concerned that the countrys rice exports may be impacted due to Indias exports. The Pakistans Basmati Growers Association (BGA) says that the Bali package is against WTO ideals and fails to protect other developing countries from the exports of subsidized staple crops like rice, wheat and cereals of countries like India. Canada has also sought India's clarification on the volume of wheat stocks held by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and has asked the Indian government to clarify the basis for the calculation of the floor price for wheat exports.The CoA will take up the questions raised by Pakistan and Canada in a meeting scheduled on January 29, 2014.In its latest report, USDA estimates Indias rice exports to reach 10 million tons in the MY 2013-14, up 3% from its earlier estimate of 9.7 million tons.
Tags: Pakistan rice exports, India rice exports, India farm subsidies, World Trade Organization (WTO), India food security law
Oryza U.S. Rough Rice Recap Freezing Temps and Icy Roads Bring Market to a Standstill
Jan 28, 2014
The U.S. cash market was brought to a standstill today after a severe winter storm brought with it freezing temperatures and icy road conditions making it difficult to move rice.As of today, offers could be found as low as $15.55 fob farm (about $343 per ton) however most farmers price ideas could be found around $16.11 per cwt fob farm (about $355 per ton) or higher.Bids from larger mills held steady today near $15.00 per cwt (about $331 per ton) while bids for exporters were unchanged around $15.50 per cwt (about $342 per ton), both for February through March delivery, although there were no reports of any trades today.
Tags: U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market
Oryza Rice Currency Analysis for Today Mexico Peso, India Rupee Advance 0.9%
Jan 28, 2014
U.S. dollar index was up +0.07% from the open today, when it traded at 80.581 at the close. Euro was weaker -0.03% today by the close, trading around 1.3669 by end of day, after trading between an intraday high of 1.3668 and low of 1.3629. Thai baht was weaker -0.03%, trading at 32.920 at the close of business.
Indian rupee was stronger +0.94% at 62.5150. Brazilian real was +0.05% stronger than the open at todays close, when it ended at 2.4215 reais per dollar. Pakistan rupee was +0.14% stronger at 105.4283. Vietnamese dong was unchanged at 21060. Mexican peso was +0.89% stronger today, when it traded at 13.2485 pesos per dollar by the close of business today. Chinese yuan was weaker -0.06%, trading at 6.0509. Argentine peso was -0.06% weaker, trading at 8.0076 pesos per dollar.
Tags: foreign exchange rates
Oryza Afternoon Recap Chicago Rough Rice Futures Make Last Minute Push to Close Above Nearby Technical Resistance
Jan 28, 2014
Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery settled 4 cents per cwt (about $1 per ton) higher at $15.520 per cwt (about $342 per ton). After rallying to a double digit gain overnight rough rice futures pulled back upon the open of floor trading in Chicago this morning and spent the majority of the session trading within a few cents of unchanged. Todays gains were enough to place the market back into technically positive territory as prices closed just above the 20-day moving average, a closely followed technical indicator. Although soy faltered the other grains were supported by firmer crude prices as the macroeconomic outlook turned positive today. The other grains finished mixed today; soybeans closed about 0.2% lower at $12.8550 per bushel; wheat finished about 0.4% higher at $5.6600 per bushel; and corn finished the day about 0.1% higher at $4.3200 per bushel. U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average advancing after a five-session slide, as consumer confidence rose in January, orders for durable goods unexpectedly declined last month and investors looked to the start of the Federal Reserve meeting. Of the 153 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported fourth-quarter results, 69.3% have reported earnings above Wall Street's estimates, while 68.6% have posted revenue that topped expectations. After jumping more than 100 points, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was lately up 85.83 points, or 0.5%, at 15,923.7. The S&P 500 added 9.92 points, or 0.6%, to 1,791.48, with health care and financials leading gains and technology the sole laggard among its 10 major sectors. The Nasdaq wavered between gains and losses, and was lately up 3.95 points, or 0.1%, at 4,087.55.
The Federal Open Market Committee begins its last meeting under Chairman Ben Bernanke Tuesday. The Fed last month said it would start to trim its monthly bond buying by $10 billion to $75 billion this month. Consumer confidence rose to 80.7 in January, versus expectations the index would come in at 78.1, unchanged from the prior month. Gold is trading about 1% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 1.7% higher, and the U.S. dollar is seen trading about 0.2% higher at about 1:00pm Chicago time.Turning to the daily continuation chart of Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery, despite an initial pullback upon the open of floor trading this morning the market managed to muster enough follow-through buying in last minute trading to punch through and close above the closely watched 20-day moving average which was noted at $15.510 per cwt (about $342 per ton) today. This has returned the market to technically positive territory and provides a bullish forecast for tomorrows trade direction. Technical traders will keep a keen eye on this level, as tomorrow will be a key indicator of future trade direction. A failure by the bulls to maintain prices at current levels or above will likely be seen as a signal that further losses are to come. Todays trading range is noted as $15.460-$15.580 per cwt (about $341$343 per ton). Monday, there were 326 contracts traded, up from 264 contracts traded on Friday. Open interest the number of contracts outstanding on Monday increased by 20 contracts to 7,450.
Tags: chicago rough rice futures, U.S. rice prices, U.S. rice market
Philippines Rejects Thailands Counter-Offer to Supply Rice in November 2013 Tender

Jan 28, 2014
The Philippines rice buying agency, the National Food Authority (NFA), has rejected a counter offer by Thailand to supply rice at rates lower than what it offered in November 2013, according to local sources.The NFA sought emergency rice imports of 500,000 tons from three countries in a government tender to replenish stocks in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. Vietnam won the tender by offering the lowest price of $462.25 per ton, about $12.75 lower than the Thai governments $475 per ton. Cambodia failed to submit an offer on time.According to local sources, the Thai government submitted another offer of $462 per ton the same day the NFA awarded the tender to Vietnam. The Thai Department of Foreign Trade said that under an agreement signed between the Philippines and Thailand in June 2011, the Thai government is allowed to make new bids and negotiate with the Philippine government for a mutually acceptable price.However, the NFA says that the agreement covers only bilateral trade with Thailand and the November 26, 2013 tender rules did not include negotiations. The NFA also says that accepting the re-offer will violate rules.According to the Philippines Government Corporate Counsel, the NFA is not obliged to accept Thailands counter offer, but can buy rice from Thailand in separate deals to honor the June 2011 agreement. Earlier this month, the NFA urged Thailand to renew its rice supply agreement that expired last year and said that it may buy rice from Thailand if the agreement is renewed.
Tags: Philippines rice imports, Vietnam rice exxports, Thailand rice exports
South Korea Per Capita Rice Consumption Declines 3.7% in 2013

Jan 28, 2014
Per capita rice consumption or the average annual consumption of rice per person in South Korea has declined to 67.2 kilograms in 2013, down about 3.7% from 69.8 kilograms in 2012, according to Statistics Korea.Daily rice consumption per person in South Korea has declined 184 grams in 2013, down about 3.8% from 191 grams in 2012. According to Statistics Korea, per capita rice consumption among non-farming communities stood at around 71.9 kilograms in 2013, down about 40% compared to 118.5 kilograms among farming communities. According to an official from Statistics Korea, the country's people are reducing rice consumption and are diversifying their diets to other alternatives such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, instant foods and meat. Increase of per capita consumption of other grains like corn, beans and potatoes by 11% to 8.1 kilograms in 2013 against 7.3 kilograms in 2012 show that the diet preferences are changing in South Korea.The 2013 per capita consumption of rice in South Korea is the lowest since 1963, when average annual consumption was 105.5 kilograms per person. The highest per capita rice consumption recorded in South Korea is 136.4 kilograms in 1970.The USDA also estimates South Koreas overall domestic rice consumption to decline to around 4.49 million tons in MY 2013-14, down about 25,000 tons from around 4.52 million tons in the MY 2012-13. USDA data shows that rice consumption in South Korea is declining since 2010-11, when it was around 5.17 million tons. The US agency estimates South Koreas rice production in 2013-14 to increase to around 4.23 million tons, up about 6% from around 4 million tons in 2012-13.
Tags: South Korea rice consumption
Oryza Overnight Recap Chicago Rough Rice Futures See Double Digit Gains Overnight as Spread Activity Picks Up
Jan 28, 2014
Chicago rough rice futures for March delivery are currently paused 10 cents per cwt (about $2 per ton) higher at $15.580 per cwt (about $343 per ton) as of 8:00am Chicago time. The other grains are seen mostly lower this morning ahead of floor trading in Chicago: soybeans are currently seen about 0.2% lower, wheat was paused about 0.8% higher, and corn is noted about 0.2% lower.U.S. stock index futures pointed to a mixed open on Tuesday, as global markets awaited word from the Federal Reserve on further scaling back of its massive assetpurchasing program and amid a blitz of corporate earnings. Stock futures scaled back their limited gains after the government reported durable goods fell 4.3% in December. In addition, the Case-Shiller home price index rose 13.7% in November. The Fed starts its two-day meeting on Tuesday, and will announce any policy changes on Wednesday. It will be the last meeting to be led by outgoing Chairman Ben Bernanke, who is expected to announce another $10 billion tapering off of monthly bond purchases. The prospect of further tapering has rocked emerging markets,
which tumbled last week after the Argentinian central bank announced it was relaxing its strict currency controls. However, emerging market stocks and commodities in Asia stabilized early on Tuesday. Other economic data out on Tuesday includes the Conference Board's consumer confidence survey for January. U.S. stock index futures are currently trading about 0.2% higher, gold is currently trading about 0.4% lower, crude oil is seen trading about 0.7% higher, and the U.S. dollar is currently trading marginally higher at 8:00am Chicago time.
Tags: chicago rough rice futures
Asia Rice Quotes Unchanged Today

Jan 28, 2014
Asia rice sellers kept their quotes mostly unchanged today. 5% Broken Rice Thai 5% rice (of new crop) is quoted around $435 - $445 per ton, about a $35 per ton premium over Viet 5% rice shown around $400 - $410 per ton. Indian 5% rice is quoted around $405 - $415 per ton, about a $15 per ton premium over Pak 5% rice quoted around $390 - $400 per ton. 25% Broken Rice Thai 25% rice (of new crop) is quoted about $390 - $400 per ton, about a $15 per ton premium over Viet 25% rice shown around $375 - $385 per ton. Indian 25% rice is quoted about $350 - $360 per ton, about a $5 per ton premium over Pak 25% rice quoted around $345 - $355 per ton. Parboiled Rice Thai parboiled rice of the old crop is quoted around $455 - $465 per ton. Indian parboiled rice is quoted around $395 - $405 per ton, about a $5 per ton discount to Pak parboiled rice quoted around $400 - $410 per ton. 100% Broken Rice Thai broken rice, A1 Super, of the old crop is quoted around $310 - $320 per ton, about a $45 per ton discount to Viet broken rice shown around $355 - $365 per ton. Indian broken sortexed rice is quoted about $295 - $305 per ton, about a $25 per ton discount to Pak broken sortexed rice quoted around $320 - $330 per ton.
Tags: Asia rice quotes, Vietnam rice quotes, Pakistan rice quotes, Thailand rice quotes, India rice quotes

Jan 28, 2014
Members of the Committee on Agriculture and Food will summon the Philippines Agriculture Secretary to clarify about the alleged overpricing of rice imports from Vietnam in 2013 by about P825 million ($18.2
million), according to local sources.The committee chaired by the Butil party-list representative Agapito Guanlao reportedly took the decision after a National Food Authority (NFA) official failed to provide details on the overpricing. The panel called for a hearing on the overpricing of government's rice imports from Vietnam after media reports alleged that about 205,700 tons of rice imports in April 2013 were overpriced by $34 per ton, while 500,000 tons of imported rice in November were overpriced by $23.69 per ton. The imported rice was meant to serve as buffer stock for the December 2013 - March 2014 period. The NFA administrator was questioned over the computation of the pricing of rice imports. The Chairperson says that the overpricing allegations may have arisen because the NFA, which imports rice in case of shortages, delivers the imports from the ports to various warehouses throughout the country. He demanded that the NFA official revealed the cost of delivery from port to all warehouses. But when the NFA official failed to provide the figures, the panel decided to summon the Agriculture Secretary who also heads the NFA Council to clarify.After the hearing, the Peasant Movement of the Philippines (Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas - KMP) representative said the Agriculture Secretary and the NFA Administrator have to also explain about the rice smuggling that is rampant in the country. He criticized the Farmers as Importers Program (FIP), under which the government through the NFA allows farmers groups or their cooperatives to import a specific volume of rice, based on the commitment on rice importation under the World Trade Organization (WTO). He noted that the program was a legal cover provided by the NFA to the rice cartels and smugglers.According to the country's Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief John P.Sevilla, the country lost revenue of nearly P7 billion (around $154 million) due to rice smuggling in 2013.
India Basmati Rice GI Application to Exclude Central State Madhya Pradesh

Jan 28, 2014
The Basmati Rice Geographical Indications (GI) application filed by Indias Agricultural and P rocessed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) will exclude the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, despite efforts by farmers and rice traders in the state.In 2009, the APEDA applied to the GI Registry seeking GI protection for India's basmati (fragrant long grain) rice. The APEDA sought exclusive (commercial) use of the basmati tag for the grain varieties grown within the boundaries of the Indo-Gangetic plain in Indias northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and 26 districts of western Uttar Pradesh and two districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, APEDA is the designated custodian of GI rights for Indian basmati rice.However, earlier this month, the Madhya Pradesh department of farmer welfare and agriculture development and some basmati exporters in the state filed a petition with the GI Registry saying basmati rice grown in Madhya Pradesh should be included in APEDA's GI protection application. According to local sources, the GI Registry directed the APEDA to file an amended GI application to include Madhya Pradesh as a basmati growing area.However, the APEDA says it will oppose the
inclusion of Madhya Pradesh under the basmati zone. APEDA chairman told locals sources that expanding basmati-growing regions artificially would adversely impact exclusivity and exportability of basmati rice. According to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) deputy director, the institute had developed basmati seed varieties keeping in mind agro-climatic zones of the Indo-Gangetic plain and the higher temperature prevailing in Madhya Pradesh compared with northern states impacts the aroma and grain quality, which is a distinguishing quality of basmati rice. So, claiming rice grown in Madhya Pradesh as basmati is not correct, he said.A GI label certifies the geographical origin of a product and confirms adherence to some production standards. It also prevents producers who aren't covered by the tag from using the same.APEDAs opposition to include Madhya Pradesh is likely to further delay GI protection to basmati rice in India. According to local sources, APEDA has spent over Rs.7.6 crore (around $1.2 million) on litigations on basmati and there are still over 200 pending litigations in 50 jurisdictions worldwide.India is the largest producer and exporter of basmati rice. Indias basmati rice exports are forecast to reach around 4 million tons in FY 2013 -14 (April March), up about 12.5% from around 3.5 million tons in FY 2012-13. A GI tag is expected to further boost Indias basmati rice exports.
Tags: India basmati rice production, Geographical Indications (GI)
Oryza Shares Press Release - Arkansas Rice Federation Congratulates Lawmakers on Farm Bill Compromise, Urges Congress to Support
Jan 28, 2014
Little Rock, Ark. - The Arkansas Rice Federation (ARF) congratulated Senate and House conferees for reaching an agreement Monday on a final Farm Bill Conference Report that includes priorities of importance to the U.S. rice industry."The Arkansas rice industry is thankful for the leadership of Chairman Frank Lucas, Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, Senator Thad Cochran and Congressman Collin Peterson," said Dow Brantley, England rice farmer and Chairman of the Arkansas Rice Federation. "We appreciate the hard work of Arkansas farm bill conferees Senator John Boozman and Congressman Rick Crawford, and commend Senator Mark Pryor and Congressmen Tim Griffin and Steve Womack for their earlier support in advancing this process.""This five-year farm bill will ensure rice producers can rely on a marketbased plan to help minimize risk, maintain competitiveness and provide assistance in times of decline," Brantley added.If the bill passes, Brantley said ARF will partner with the USA Rice Federation to host a series of meetings in rice-growing regions of Arkansas this spring to provide analysis on what the law means for farmers and the agriculture industry."We are urging all members of Congress to vote 'yes' and bring much needed certainty to hardworking Arkansas farmers," said Brantley.The U.S. House is expected to consider the bill Wednesday.
Tags: Arkansas Rice Federation (ARF), press release, U.S. Farm Bill
Oryza Share Press Release - Arkansas Rice Farmers To Hold Election for Board of Directors
Jan 28, 2014
Little Rock, AR. - The Arkansas Rice Farmers (ARF) announced today they will hold elections for the ARF Board of Directors in January at the Arkansas Rice Annual Meeting in Stuttgart. Arkansas Rice Farmers, formally known as Arkansas Rice Producers' Group, was renamed in July to better reflect the mission, membership and work of the organization. ARF is composed entirely of rice farmers and provides a forum for policy development on legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry."Serving on the Board of Arkansas Rice Farmers is a tremendous opportunity to positively impact the U.S. rice industry by working to shape favorable public policy and protect the interests of hardworking Arkansas rice farmers," said ARF Chairman Dow Brantley of England. The ARF Board is composed of thirty farmer directors, three from each of the state's 10 rice districts who each serve for a term of six years. Terms are staggered, therefore one-half of the board is up for election every three years.Eligible farmers must have rice acreage registered with the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) in the year preceding the election. A farmer is eligible for service in the district where his or her farm acreage is registered. Arkansas farmers interested in seeking a position on the ARF Board of Directors must submit a written request for a candidate petition from the Arkansas Rice Farmers Board by Dec. 16, 2013. Requests must be submitted by email to Katherine@noblestrat.com. Petitions should include 15 signatures of support from USDA FSA registered rice farmers and a candidate biography. The deadline to submit a petition is Jan. 3, 2014. For more information on the election and how to request a petition, go to www.arkansasricefarmers.org/election. The Arkansas Rice Annual Meeting will be held on Jan. 30, 2014 in Stuttgart at the Grand Prairie Center, and is a joint meeting between the Arkansas Rice Farmers and Arkansas Rice Council.
Tags: press release, Arkansas Rice Farmers (ARF)
Oryza Global Rice Quotes

January 28th, 2014 Long grain white rice - high quality Thailand 100% B grade 445-455 Vietnam 5% broken 400-410 India 5% broken 405-415 Pakistan 5% broken 390-400 Cambodia 5% broken 450-460 U.S. 4% broken 585-595 Uruguay 5% broken 625-635 Argentina 5% broken 625-635 Long grain white rice - low quality
Thailand 25% broken 390-400 Vietnam 25% broken 375-385 Pakistan 25% broken 345-355 Cambodia 25% broken 425-435 India 25% broken 350-360 U.S. 15% broken 565-575
Long grain parboiled rice Thailand parboiled 100% stxd 455-465 Pakistan parboiled 5% broken stxd 400-410 India parboiled 5% broken stxd 395-405 U.S. parboiled 4% broken 660-670 Brazil parboiled 5% broken 590-600 Uruguay parboiled 5% broken NQ Long grain fragrant rice Thailand Hommali 92% 945-955 Vietnam Jasmine 555-565 India basmati 2% broken 1515 -1525 Pakistan basmati 2% broken NQ Cambodia Phka Malis 895-905 Brokens Thailand A1 Super 310-320 Vietnam 100% broken 355-365 Pakistan 100% broken stxd 320-320 Cambodia A1 Super 365-375 India 100% Broken stxd 295-305 Egypt medium grain brokens NQ U.S. pet food 470-480 Brazil half grain 345-355 Medium grain milled U.S. Calrose 4% broken Egypt medium grain 6%
620-630 NQ
All prices USD per ton, FOB vessel, oryza.com Contents published with permission of ORYZA
For Advertisment :Mujahid Ali + 92 321 369 2874 mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

29th January, 2014 Daily Exclusive ORYZA News by Riceplus Magazine

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29th January, 2014 Daily Exclusive ORYZA News by Riceplus Magazine

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29th January , 2014

Chinese COLOR SORTER as low as

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For Advertisment :Mujahid Ali + 92 321 369 2874 mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com

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