USA Rice Federation leaders will provide industry members with an overview and explanation of the key provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 at a series of educational meetings to be held in June and July.

The meetings will allow rice producers in all of the major rice-growing areas to get answers to questions they have about rice-specific provisions included in the 2008 farm bill passed by Congress last month.

The first meetings have been scheduled for the week of June 16 in Texas and south Louisiana. Details of the meetings in other areas have not yet been finalized but will be released when they become available.

At each meeting, USA Rice Federation staff will provide an overview of the new farm bill and rice-specific provisions and answer questions from local growers and industry members. The sessions are intended to provide the best available information on the new farm bill.

“This is an opportunity for producers to learn about the rice-specific provisions in the new farm bill, and I encourage all rice farmers and others in the industry or agriculture in general, to attend the meeting in your area,” USA Rice Federation Chairman Al Montna said.