[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF NICOLE MONTNA VAN VLECK, 2021 RICE FARMER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of my 
constituent and friend Nicole Montna Van Vleck. Nicole was recently 
awarded the Rice Farmer of the Year award by Horizon Ag, Rice Farming, 
and USA Rice.
  The Montna Family began their rice operation in the late 1930s in 
Sutter County, California. By the 1970s Nicole's father, Al Montna, 
took over the ranch from his parents Dutch and Emma. Eventually, Al 
sold much of the land to his daughters Nicole and Michelle. Nicole 
currently serves as president and CEO of Montna Farms. Montna Farms 
produces predominately short-grain rice, that is milled in Williams, 
California and then distributed throughout the United States and 
internationally.
  Nicole makes conservation a priority at Montna Farms, In 2000, a 
working lands easement was implemented on the ranch to preserve the 
Pacific Flyway. Nicole and Montna Farms has also worked in partnership 
with numerous environmental organizations, such as Nature Conservancy, 
California Waterfowl Association, the National Audubon Society, 
California Trout and Point Blue, to ensure lands and wildlife are 
protected in and around their operation.
  Nicole has also dedicated herself to the rice industry by serving on 
numerous boards and committees, including: chair of the California Rice 
Industry Association, immediate past chair of California Producers 
Group and USA Rice Farmers, California Rice Commission, USA Rice 
Federation, the Rice Foundation, past chair of USA Rice Communication 
Committee, past co-chair Rice Sustainability and Competitiveness Task 
Force, past chair of state Farm Service Agency and State Fair ag 
advisory board, Northern California Water Association, UC Davis Dean's 
advisory board, and River Valley Community Bank board.
  I congratulate Nicole on her achievement of Rice Farmer of the Year 
and I look forward to continue to work with her to support the 
California rice industry.

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