[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL RICE MONTH

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th 
anniversary of the annual September celebration of the harvest of rice 
in the United States.
  For centuries, rice has been the primary food staple for over half of 
the world's population. Today, the United States and countries around 
the world still enjoy rice as a dietary staple, but also as the 
foundation for many dishes and side dishes. Rice is enjoyed as part of 
cereal, flour, bran, cooking oil, rice cakes and many other snacks.
  Rice production has and continues to be a significant source of 
revenue for the American economy. In fact, rice production in the 
United States dates back to 1685 and is one of the oldest 
agribusinesses in the United States. Rice continues to be produced in 
force by 10,500 rice farmers in the States of Arkansas, California, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and in my home State of Texas. In 
fact, I am proud to have 45 active rice farmers working on 20,000 acres 
of rice fields in the district that I represent--the most of any 
Congressional district in Texas. In Texas alone, the rice industry has 
created 2,700 jobs and $1.6 billion in total economic activity.
  Rice farming is of critical importance to the economy of my district 
and to the southern United States. In 2009, rice farmers in the U.S. 
produced nearly 22 billion pounds of rice that had a farm gate value of 
more than $3 billion. Subsequent sales of rice generated $17.5 billion 
in total value added to the U.S economy. This activity contributed 
127,000 jobs to the U.S. labor force in 2009. Additionally, the U.S. is 
one of the largest exporters of rice and produces more than two percent 
of the world's rice supply, feeding millions around the world.
  I am proud to represent the rice farmers of the second district of 
Texas, and to recognize their achievements during National Rice Month.
  And that's just the way it is.

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