"Grown in the USA" rice logo licensees continue to grow in number -- with 27 companies, representing nearly 80 percent of total domestic rice shipments, now licensed to use the emblem on packages of 100 percent U.S.-grown rice.

An updated fact sheet on the "Grown in the USA" logo is available on the USA Rice Federation Web site and lists all current licensees.

Research shows that American consumers and chefs prefer to "buy American" to support U.S. farmers and the domestic economy.  The "Grown in the USA" rice logo gives consumers and foodservice operators an easily identifiable symbol on rice packages that affirms that the product is U.S.-grown.  USA Rice publicizes the logo in promotion programs to educate audiences about U.S. rice production.

"Americans have greater confidence in domestic products and want to support our farmers," said USA Rice President and CEO Betsy Ward.  "This effort fulfills consumers' desire to know where their food comes from and gives U.S. rice farmers visibility as well."