Four new Louisiana-grown rice products introduced by Louisiana Rice Mill were available for sampling at a legislative reception sponsored by the LSU AgCenter. Other Louisiana commodity groups providing food for the gathering included eggs, beef, sugar, dairy, sweet potatoes and poultry. Photo by Bruce Schultz

State Rep. Andy Anders of Vidalia, far right, talks with rice farmer Jackie Loewer of Branch, a member of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association, and his wife, Nancy Loewer. Photo by Bruce Schultz

Rice grower Jimmy Hoppe of Fenton, at left, a member of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association, talks with state Reps. Dorothy Sue Hill of Dry Creek and Robert Billiot of Westwego. Photo by Bruce Schultz

News Release Distributed 05/30/13

BATON ROUGE, La. – Rice farmers joined an LSU AgCenter reception for legislators and their staffs on May 28. The event, held at the Pentagon Barracks near the Capitol, featured a new line of Louisiana-grown rice products by Louisiana Rice Mill.

Other commodity groups featuring their products at the reception included eggs, beef, sweet potatoes, dairy, poultry and sugar.

Among the rice farmers at the event was Jimmy Hoppe of Fenton, a member of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association. “We’re here to promote rice and to make sure that members of the House and Senate understand what rice means to the state,” Hoppe said. “We’re here to make a presence.”

Hoppe said the new Louisiana Rice Mill products capitalize on a nationwide trend for local food. Individual farmers are featured on the Supreme Rice packages.

Jackie Loewer, rice farmer from Branch, said the reception allowed legislators to meet farmers in person. “Many issues arise in the Legislature every year that directly affect our farming operations, and we are grateful that the legislators take the time to understand our needs and concerns. We want to express to our state legislators how important the AgCenter is to us.”

Bill Richardson, LSU AgCenter chancellor, said the reception provides the chance to talk with legislators and thank them for their support of agriculture.

“Understanding the issues facing our producers and the LSU AgCenter is not an easy task, and this event gives us an opportunity to let them know we appreciate what they do,” Richardson said.

Bruce Schultz