SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS USA Rice staff and five member companies joined industry leaders at the inaugural International Rice Expo-Convention in September, hosted by the Central American Rice Federation (FECARROZ). USA Rice was a proud diamond sponsor of the event, which brought together more than 200 participants from across the Western Hemisphere.

The convention kicked off with an opening ceremony that included the Honduran Minister of Agriculture Laura Suazo, the Mayor of San Pedro Sula Roberto Contreras, and FECARROZ President Kamal Elias Dieck who addressed the audience, extolling the vital role of agriculture.

The two-day event was packed with educational sessions covering a variety of critical topics such as the effects of climate change on rice production and a reflection on the 20-year anniversary of the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).

USA Rice facilitated a session on rice quality in Central America by University of Arkansas agricultural economist Dr. Alvaro Durand-Morat who also provided a brief overview of the 2024 U.S. rice crop. Meanwhile, chefs from the esteemed Washington Academy led cooking sessions, showcasing both traditional dishes like rice and beans, and innovative creations such as horchata with saké and cinnamon foam.

The exhibition hall buzzed with activity as 20 companies and organizations, including USA Rice, manned their booths, handing out samples and engaging with attendees on the latest in rice production, trade, and technology. Each evening closed with a cultural presentation and reception, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions and diverse communities of Honduras.

«The success of the International Rice Expo-Convention marked a significant milestone for the rice industry in the region, providing a valuable platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among participants,» said

USA Rice President & CEO Peter Bachmann. «USA Rice is proud to have brought such a large delegation to this inaugural event and we look forward to continued collaboration with FECARROZ and other partners across Central America in future projects and initiatives. We think that over time, the U.S. participation at this conference will grow and provide an additional outlet for regular in-person engagement with our important customers in the region and help facilitate business-to-business meetings for buyers and sellers prior to the annual USA Rice Quality Symposium held every December on the sidelines of the USA Rice Outlook Conference.»