A global photography contest to highlight the importance of rice as a staple food crop and a symbol of cultural and global identity has been launched by FAO and the United Nations.

As 2004 is the UN International Year of Rice (IYR), professional and amateur photographers are invited to capture the "Rice is Life" theme in photographs illustrating the rich diversity of regions, people and resources linked to this internationally vital food source.

IYR aims to promote improved production and access to this crop, which feeds more than half the world's population while providing income for millions of rice processors and traders.

Development of sustainable rice-based systems will reduce poverty and hunger, and contribute to environmental conservation and a better life for present and future generations.

Rice is Life

The objective of the IYR Global Photography Contest "Rice is Life" is to promote the International Year of Rice and to enhance awareness of the importance of rice in the fight against hunger and poverty. The competition is also an opportunity to focus on the role and significance of rice in different cultures around the world.

IYR is planning to include prize-winning photographs and a selection of other entries in a travelling exhibition.

The contest will acknowledge the best photographs illustrating the theme "Rice is Life." First-prize winners will be flown to FAO headquarters in Rome to be honoured at a special event held in conjunction with the World Food Day on 15 October 2004.

Nital S.p.A, the exclusive distributor of Nikon products in Italy, is supporting the IYR initiative by sponsoring the contest and providing winners with Nikon products.

Participants may submit slides, prints or digital images in either black and white or color. It is free to enter, and there are separate categories for professional and amateur photographers.

For competition details please visit the contest Web site at http://www.fao.org/rice2004/en/photog.htm