Betsy Ward, President & CEO USA Rice

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Betsy Ward, President and CEO of USA Rice. The U.S. rice industry is struggling against large global supplies and low prices. In this interview, Ward identifies the challenges of competing globally against subsidized competition and the immediate reaction of Mexican trade officials to the Trump administration announced plans to withdraw from NAFTA. Ward says Title 1 PLC payments and the conservation program are high priorities for US rice farmers in the new farm bill, as well as cooperation of commodity groups. Ward also shares thoughts on cash or commodities for global food aid.