“The decision yesterday by the European Commission’s Standing Committee on the Food Chain to impose mandatory testing in all imports of U.S. long-grain rice entering the European Union is an unfortunate overreaction to a commodity that governments — including the European Union — have already declared safe for human consumption,” said Al Montna, USA Rice Federation chairman and California rice producer.

“The Commission is imposing an overzealous testing regime on a product for which such strictures are unnecessary. The net result of this decision is the denial to European consumers of wholesome U.S. rice. Furthermore, the decision effectively denies the Northern European rice milling industry access to its supplier, the economic consequences of which were clearly avoidable,” Montna said.

“While we are extremely disappointed that European officials were unable to agree to a practical and commercially viable solution on the issue of testing, we are very appreciative of the prolonged and aggressive negotiation done on behalf of the U.S. rice industry by U.S. officials, led by USDA acting Under Secretary Floyd Gaibler,” said Carl Brothers, chairman of USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee and senior VP, Riceland Foods, Inc.

“We look forward to working again with government officials during the review period that will begin early next year as provided by the Standing Committee’s action. The U.S. rice industry believes it is in everyone’s interest, from U.S. rice producers and exporters to EU rice importers, consumers and the EU Commission to resolve this issue so that trade can resume,” Brothers said.

USA Rice Federation is the national advocate for all segments of the rice industry, conducting activities to influence government programs, developing and initiating programs to increase worldwide demand for U.S. rice, and providing other services to increase profitability for all industry segments.