[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H7618-H7619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NICOLE MONTNA VAN VLECK HONORED AS RICE FARMER OF THE YEAR

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Madam Speaker, I am here today to recognize the great 
work of a fellow rice farmer, Nicole Montna Van Vleck. She was just 
named the USA Rice Federation's 2021 Rice Farmer of the Year.
  She is a third-generation rice farmer in northern California and 
serves as president and CEO of her Montna Farms in Sutter County.
  At Montna Farms, conservation is a priority. America's rice farmers 
have a longstanding commitment to protect and preserve natural 
resources.
  Not only is she involved with her family's California rice operation, 
but she also makes time for her passion of promoting the U.S. rice 
industry.

[[Page H7619]]

  She previously served as the chair of the USA Rice Farmers board of 
directors, where she collaborated with growers across the country to 
solve difficult policy issues and strengthen the industry.
  Today, U.S. rice farmers produce more rice using less land, energy, 
and water than they did just 20 years ago while providing critical 
habitats for many, many species.
  With leaders such as Nicole, America's rice farmers continue to serve 
as leaders in farming by producing a very healthy, conservation-
friendly food that generates jobs and economic opportunity in rural 
areas.
  Congrats, Nicole, on this great honor.

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