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aily Global Rice E-NewsletterFebruary 05 , 201V o l u m e 5, Issue I

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Arsenic in Rice 1/11/15 Published On: Feb 04 2015 01:50:45 PM CST

Rice and many products containing rice have significant levels of inorganic arsenic, which islinked to cancer.The Food and Drug Administration recommends parents consider other optionsrather than rice cereal for their children's first solid food."Rice comes in lots of varieties. And it'sa common ingredient in many packaged foods. Consumer Reports analyzed Food and DrugAdministration data on more than 600 foods that contain rice and found some with worrisomelevels of inorganic arsenic."We found that hot rice cereal and rice pasta can have much morearsenic than we saw in our previous tests. So we now recommend that children rarely eat thesefoods, which means not more than twice a month.

" And Consumer Reports recommends children under five limit rice drinks, rice cakes and ready-to-eat rice cereals.Michael Crupain, "Levels of arsenic vary. We based our recommendations on

the higher levels in each food group to offer consumers the best protection."As for rice itself,Consumer Reports' lab tests in 2012 found high levels of inorganic arsenic in white rice and evenhigher levels in brown rice. Michael Crupain, "Arsenic in our food is a real public health

problem and we think it's important to eat less of it."Consumer Reports has tested other types of rice and other grains and has found severalalternatives with much lower levels of inorganic arsenic.

Some good choices - sushi rice from the U.S. and white basmati rice from California, India andPakistan. Michael Crupain, "On average they had half the amount of arsenic as most other typesof rice." Other good options - bulgur, barley and farro and gluten -free grains like amaranth,

buckwheat, millet and quinoa.The USA Rice Federation says, "studies show that including white

or brown rice in the diet provides measureable health benefits that outweigh the potential risksassociated with exposure to trace levels of arsenic.

" The Food and Drug Administration says "an ongoing assessment of arsenic in rice remains a priority for the agency."It plans to release a draft assessment of potential health risks.f you eat brown rice, Consumer Reports found brown basmati rice from California, India and Pakistan hasabout one third less inorganic arsenic than other brown rice.

http://www.news8000.com/money/on-your-side/arsenic-in-rice-11115/31093472

Industrial Market Research Reports AnnoucementsMarket research report into the global rice bran oil industry for 2015 just published

WhaTech Channel: Industrial Market Research Reports Published on Wednesday, 04 February 2015 21:47Submitted by Salil Modak

News from: Reportstack - Browse and Buy Market Research Reports

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This report has introduced Rice Bran Oil markets in China and other countries or regions(such as US, Europe, Japan, etc) by presenting research on global products of different typesand applications developments and trends of market, technology, and competitive landscape,and leading suppliers and countries2009 -2014 capacity, production, cost, price, profit,production value, and gross margin.

2015 Market Research Report on Global Rice Bran Oil Industry is a new market research publicationannounced by Reportstack. This report is a professional and depth research report on Global Rice BranOil industryFor overview analysis, the report introduces Rice Bran Oil basic information includingdefinition, classification, application, industry chain structure, industry overview, policy analysis, andnews analysis, etc

For international and China market analysis, the report analyzes Rice Bran Oil markets in China and othercountries or regions (such as US, Europe, Japan, etc) by presenting research on global products ofdifferent types and applications developments and trends of market, technology, and competitivelandscape, and leading suppliers and coun tries2009 -2014 capacity, production, cost, price, profit,

production value, and gross margin. For leading suppliers, related information is listed as products,customers, application, capacity, market position, and company contact information, etc.

2015-2020 forecast on capacity, production, cost, price, profit, production value, and gross margin forthese markets are also included

Modern genetics (not necessarily GMOs) can help spur nextGreen Revolution

Tim Folger | February 4, 2015 | National Geographic The green revolution transformed global agriculture. Through selective breeding, NormanBorlaug, an American biologist, created a dwarf variety of wheat that resulted in more grain peracre. Similar work at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippinesdramatically improved the productivity of the grain that feeds nearly half the world.From the1960s through the 1990s, yields of rice and wheat in Asia doubled. Even as the continents

population increased by 60 percent, grain prices fell, the average Asian consumed nearly a thirdmore calories, and the poverty rate was cut in half.

To keep doing that between now and 2050, well need another green revolution. One vision ishigh- tech, with a heavy emphasis on continuing Borlaugs work of breeding better crops, butwith modern genetic techniques. The signature technology of this approach and the one thathas brought both success and controversy to Monsanto is genetically modified, or GM,crops.But Monsanto is not the only organization that believes modern plant genetics can helpfeed the world. At the International Rice Research Institute only a few varieties are GM crops, in

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the sense that they contain a gene transferred from a different species.The institutes entire breeding operation has been accelerated by modern genetics.

For decades IRRI breeders patiently followed the ancient recipe: Select plants with the desiredtrait, cross-pollinate, wait for the offspring to reach maturity, select the best performers, repeat.

Now theres an alternative to that painstaking process. In 2004 an international consortium ofresearchers mapped the entire rice genome, which comprises some 40,000 individual genes.Since then, researchers around the world have been pinpointing genes that control valuable traitsand can be selected directly.

Iowa rice farmer to be inducted into Louisiana AgricultureHall of Distinction

Posted: Feb 04, 2015 2:48 PM PSTUpdated: Feb 04, 2015 2:48 PM PST

By Monica Grimaldo

IOWA, LA (KPLC) -As a 3rd generation rice producer, Jimmy Hoppe has managed to make aname for himself in the state's rice farming industry. Now, his hardwork has landed him a spot in the 2015 Louisiana Agriculture Hallof Distinction."This is an honor that is totally unexpected," said anhumble Hoppe during his interview with KPLC-TV on his JeffDavis Parish farm Wednesday. "People have honored me withcertain things and I just want to make sure I remember that they've

did it."His passion for the rice farming industry started early.

He began as a state FFA officers at Fenton High School, gaining knowledge and experience he'sused on state and national agriculture organizations for the past 50 years. Hoppe remains busyrunning a specialty rice package business with his wife, Brenda. The aromatic-type rice called'Jazzman' has garnered customers from all over the nation."It feels good be able to know that

people are enjoying something that you've been involved in," said Hoppe. "It's just one of thosethings, it's very gratifying.

"Hoppe also assists and mentors his young tenant farmer in the production of rice, soybeans andwheat on his farm, even through the industry's tough times."A lot of young people are not gettinginto farming because it's just too costly to get started," he said. "The main reason that farmers

stay in business is because they're self-employed, they are making the decisions and they likedoing what they do."He also says in order to be a successful farmer, one must know their

business inside and out.

"Just have the knowledge of everything that they have to face," he said.Ceremonies honoring the2015 inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction will take place at 7 p.m. onThursday, March 5 at White Oak Plantation. Hoppe was voted U.S. rice farmer of the year in

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1999 and is also known for his contributions in cutting-edge agricultural research and workingwith the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station.

CCC Announces Prevailing World Market Prices

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporationtoday announced the following prevailing world market prices of milled and rough rice, adjustedfor U.S. milling yields and location, and the resulting marketing loan-gain (MLG) and loandeficiency payment (LDP) rates applicable to the 2014 crop, which became effective today at7:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET). Rough rice prices decreased $0.04 per cwt for both long grain and$0.17 for medium/short grain. The changes in the announced prices and rates reflect worldmarket prices and technical changes due to the milling yield information available for the 2014crop.

World PriceMLG/LDP

Rate

MilledValue($/cwt)

Rough($/cwt)

Rough($/cwt)

Long-Grain 15.93 10.32 0.00

Medium-/Short-

Grain15.53 10.46 0.00

Brokens 9.61 ---- ----

This week's prevailing world market prices and MLG/LDP rates are based on the following U.S.milling yields and the corresponding loan rates:

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U.S. Milling YieldsWhole/Broken

(lbs/cwt)

Loan Rate($/cwt)

Long-Grain 57.21/12.55 6.64

Medium-/Short-Grain 61.89/8.83 6.51

The next program announcement is scheduled for February 11.

CME Group/Closing Rough Rice Futures

CME Group (Prelim): Closing Rough Rice Futures for February 4

Month Price Net Change

March 2015 $10.250 - $0.135

May 2015 $10.505 - $0.140

July 2015 $10.760 - $0.140

September 2015 $10.625 - $0.125

November 2015 $10.795 - $0.125

January 2016 $10.885 - $0.125

March 2016 $10.885 - $0.125

RICE EXPORTS BOOST 3.5PC IN SIX MONTHS Wednesday, February 04, 2015 - Islamabad Rice exports increased by 3.46 percent duringthe first half of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last year.According to data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the rice exports were recorded at

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$976.784 from July-December (2014-15) compared to the exports of $944.077 in July-December(2013-14), showing an increase of 3.46 percent.

Among the rice commodities, the exports of basmati rice increased by 2.63 percent by going upfrom $294.517 million last year to $302.265 during the first six months of the current fiscal year.

The exports of all other rice commodities increased by 3.84 percent during the period underreview as it went up from $649.560 million last year to $674.519 million in the current year, thePBS data revealed.Meanwhile, on year-on-year basis, the over all exports of rice witnessednegative growth of 9.17 percent in December 2014 compared to the exports of December 2013.The rice exports in December 2014 were recorded at $238.179 million compared to the exportsof $262.219 million in December 2013. On month-on-month basis, the rice exports in Decemberwitnessed increase of 7.68 percent when compare to the exports of $221.197 million in

November 2014.

Among the rice commodities, the exports of basmati rice decreased by 27.10 and 3.29 percent in

December 2014 compared to December 2013 and November 2014 respectively. Similarly, theexports of other rice commodities decreased by 3.69 percent when compared to the exports ofDecember 2014 and increased by 10.58 percent when compared to November 2014, the PBSdata revealed.It is pertinent to mention here that the overall exports from the country during thefirst six months of the current fiscal year were recorded at $12.073 billion compared to theexports of $12.617 billion during the corresponding period of last year, showing negative growthof 4.31 percent. On the other hand, the imports into the country increased by 11.68 percentduring the first half of the current fiscal year by going up from $21.671 billion in July-December(2013-14) to $24.203 billion in July-December (2014-15). APP

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=259607

Asia Rice -Lower prices stimulate buyers in Iraq,Malaysia, Africa Wed Feb 4, 2015 8:02am GMT

"Vietnam is very much willing to sell now so any price below $360 a tonne (for 5 percent brokenrice) could be accepted," another trader in Ho Chi Minh City said."Buying for Africa has started,

but given prices dropping, buyers are not rushing in," he said.Loading is under way in Vietnam's

Saigon Port for 40,000 tonnes of 5-percent broken rice for Africa, and another 20,000 tonnes will be loaded after Tet, the country's Lunar New Year festival, said the trader with the Europeanfirm.Malaysia has also agreed to buy 240,000 tonnes of Vietnam's 5-percent broken rice forApril-November deliveries, traders in Vietnam said.

Prices are expected to remain under pressure, with supplies in Vietnam jumping next monthwhen farmers start harvesting the winter-spring crop in the Mekong Delta on a large scale.InThailand, Iraq has bought about 80,000 tonnes of rice in an international tender that closed last

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week at a price of $443.90 a tonne, cost, insurance and freight free out (CIFFO), Europeantraders said.The Thai government has still not finalised results for the sale of 1 million tonnes ofrice from state warehouses, although the volume is expected to keep a lid on prices.

"Rice prices won't go anywhere anytime soon," a Bangkok-based trader said.Thai 5-percent broken rice eased to $413 per tonne, FOB, on Wednesday, from $415 a tonne a week ago.Topworld rice exporter Thailand will likely ship 10 million tonnes this year, down around 7 percentfrom 2014, Thai Rice Exporters Association said this week.

(Additional reporting by Kaweewit Kaewjinda in BANGKOK; Editing by Tom Hogue)

http://af.reuters.com/article/moroccoNews/idAFL4N0VE3E620150204?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

Rice crops above Chao Phraya Dam threatened bywater shortage National News Bureau of Thailand Wednesday 4 February 2015

Irrigation officials fear the receding water level above the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province could lead to partial damages to rice fields situated nearby. According to the actingchief of the water distribution and management unit of the Royal Irrigation Office 12, at themoment the Bhumibol Dam is storing 5.9 billion cubic meters of water or 45 per cent of itscapacity while the Sirikit Dam has 5.7 billion cubic meters or 60 per cent. Of the combinedamount, only 4.9 billion cubic meters are usable. As for the Chao Phraya Dam, the level of waterabove the dam is measured at 14.20 meters above mean sea level and it is speculated to continue

to recede.

Some of the reasons behind the decrease are the distribution of the water to Bangkok for tapwater production and the ongoing effort to flush out salt water. The water discharge rate is stillmaintained at 70 cubic meters per second. Out of the 1.3 million rai of off-season paddiessituated upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, 800,000 rai has yet to be harvested. If the water levelcontinues to decline, some of the remaining crops could be devastated by drought.

Farmers growing 4 million rai of rice despite advice against it

BANGKOK, 4 February 2015 (NNT)-The Water Watch and Monitoring System Warning Center isurging rice farmers not to grow crops this summer, saying 58% of the water reserved for use during thedry season has been depleted. According to the Center, four major dams located in low lying areas of theChao Praya River at present contain a combined total of 6.2 billion cubic meters of water, a little morethan half of their capacity.

The four include Bhumipol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi and Pasakcholasit dams. Around 1.3 million cubic metersof water, reserved primarily for consumption during the drought crisis, reportedly remains in storage.

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Farmers are thus urged not to grow off-season rice to ensure an adequate supply of water during thesummer, as over 4.11 million rai of farmland has so far been used to grow rice against the IrrigationDepartment's advice. However, the Center is confident there will still be sufficient water to support thenext rice growing season.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNSOC5802040010024#sthash.7NH8jCWt.dpuf

Costly rice seen limiting Thai exports

Published: 4 Feb 2015 at 08.09

Newspaper section: Business ,Writer: Phusadee Arunmas

Thai rice exporters are projecting shipments of just 10 million tonnes this year, mainly due tohigh prices for Thai grains. The amount is much lower than the previous forecasts of the

Commerce Ministry and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Charoen Laothammatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said yesterday.The association expectsshipments to fetch US$5.95 billion or 161 billion baht in 2015.The 10-million-tonne amountincludes 5 million tonnes of white rice, 2 million tonnes of Hom Mali fragrant rice, 2.7 milliontonnes of parboiled rice, 100,000 tonnes of glutinous rice and 200,000 tonnes of Pathumthanifragrant rice.

The USDA earlier forecast Thai rice exports of 11.3 million tonnes, and the Commerce Ministryannounced recently that it was upbeat on Thailand returning to global dominance with as muchas 11 million tonnes shipped this year.Thailand exported 10.96 million tonnes of rice last year,up 66% from 2013. Export value rose by 23% to $5.43 billion.Mr Charoen said 2015 would be

challenging for rice exports, with Thai rice now quoted at the highest price in the region.Forinstance, key rival Vietnam's free-on-board price for 5% white rice is $350-360 a tonne,compared with Thai grains quoted at $405-410.

Last year, Thai rice prices were $20-30 cheaper than those of Vietnam."This year, Thailand isexpected to see stiffer competition, while the government's massive rice stocks and volatileforeign exchange due to quantitative easing (QE) in Europe and Japan are likely to exert further

pressure on the price of Thai rice," Mr Charoen said."Falling oil prices are also expected to lead potential rice buyers in Africa such as Nigeria to buy less."Moreover, drought conditions areseen lowering domestic production, particularly for the second crop.Chookiat Ophaswongse,honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said lower exports would apply

especially to white and parboiled rice, as potential buyers are expected to shift to cheaper grainsfrom other rice producers because of falling oil prices and the strong baht.

Vichai Sriprasert, another honorary president of the association, said foreign exchange would play a key role in how Thai rice exports perform, with foreign QE measures of particularimportance.He urged the central bank to help manage the baht and move it in line with thecurrencies of other regional competitors."The Thai baht is now relatively strong compared with

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other currencies in the region, and even Singapore announced a surprise easing of its currency policy to dampen inflationary expectations and support growth," Mr Vichai said.

Phil Rice NewsShift focus from plant to farmer PhilRice exec

In more than three years as PhilRice executive director,Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. has stood with his convictionto swing rice R&D direction from the rice crop to the ricefarmer.When you focus on the rice farmer, you begin to

realize that the rice environment is not only about rice.There are many things you can do in the riceenvironment with the rice farmers so that you canextricate them from poverty, Rasco said.During theturnover ceremony of PhilRice leadership, 3 February,

Rasco reiterated the need to start using the rice farming environment as the unit of productivityanalysis instead of the rice plant.

Rasco retired from government service as he turned 65 on 2 February 2015.DA AssistantSecretary for Field Operations and Director of the National Rice and Corn Programs EdilbertoM. De Luna assumed post as PhilRice officer-in-charge effective 3 February. The search for thenew executive director is ongoing.

Summing up his term, Rasco said PhilRice is probably the easiest organization to manage. Withthe dedicated and professional manpower you have here, it can run on auto- pilot and not crash.

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Rasco urged PhilRice staff members to pursue the change that we have trodden together tocontinue advocating for agriculture-based biosystems in the rice farm.

Rasco and research at PhilRiceRasco dedicated almost 4 decades of his career to public service. During his stint as executivedirector, Rasco envisioned to transform rural communities into more productive and sustainableagri-business enterprises. He has always believed in exploring the potentials of the rice lands toaugment rice farming income.He institutionalized five new R&D programs to address the currentand future challenges in the rice sector.

These are Coping with climate change, High-value products from rice and its environment,Farming without fossil energy, Intensified rice-based agri-bio systems, and FutureRice. Each isgeared toward a self-sufficient, sustainable, and competitive rice economy.To operationalizethese programs, Rasco led the creation of various centers that would help develop appropriatetechnologies for rice-based ecosystem.

The Applied Biology Center for the Rice Environment aims to increase outputs and reduceinputs in rice farming and rice-based enterprises through applied biology.Rasco also supportedresearch studies on other sources of energy such as bioethanol and hybrid energy (e.g.wind/solar, biomass/solar) to develop an energy system for rice-based agriculture that isrenewable, decentralized, and diversified.To him, farming without fossil energy is the scientificdescription for what is commonly called but misunderstood organic agriculture, said Phil RiceDeputy Executive Director for Research Dr. Manuel Jose C. Regalado.Recognizing seeds as acritical input, Rasco also established the Genetics Resources Division to facilitate seed transferand germplasm exchange. The Seed Technology Division, on the other hand, was established toensure high seed quality of the newly-released rice varieties through compact demonstration.

Rasco and development at PhilRice

Rasco strengthened the promotion and adoption of research outputs through development programs. He conceptualized the Palayabangan 10-5 challenge to fast-track the search fortechnology that can increase production to 10t/ha at a cost of Php5/kg.His term also birthed the

National Year of Rice in 2013 to engage the public in the countrys bid for rice self-sufficiency.As a follow through, Rasco advocated the Gusto Namin Milyonaryo Kayo campaign to push forrural transformation rather than mere technology transmission. He also supported youthengagement in agriculture through the Infomediary Campaign.

PhilRice has three treasures [according to Rasco]: people, germplasm, and information. Fromthese, rice R&D should eventually help rice- based farmers become rich, Regalado said.

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Cruz finished Bachelor of Science in Agronomy andMaster of Science in Agronomy and Crop Physiologyfrom the University of the Philippines Los Baos. Heobtained his PhD in Agronomy, Plant Physiology, andSoil-Plant-Water Relations from the Texas Agricultureand Mechanical (A&M) University. He also spent 10years at IRRI as a researcher and as a visiting researchassociate at the Michigan State University for a year.

He was conferred Scientist I in the Scientific Career System in 2008. In 2010-2011, he was avisiting professor at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia.

Cruz was born in Dapitan, Manila and is based in Los Baos, Laguna. He will continue workingfor PhilRice as a consultant and mentor of young researchers.

Farmers inspire kids art

It was more than just a school project for grade 3 students ofAdonai Integrated MontessoriSchool in the Science City ofMuoz, Nueva Ecija. For EdwardJohanne Y. Quilang, Caleb John H.Bandonil, Ghenard V. Fernandez,John Cedric L. Labugnen, ErelleJohn S. Clamelo, and Wilfred Neal

R. Bernardo, no one is too young tocare for the Filipino rice farmers.

When Science teacher Aurora A. Ferrer assigned the students to make different kinds oflandforms, the group, led by Quilang, envisioned a landform that would pay tribute to thefarmers.For 3 days, the kids made a recreational area, ricefield and put a helicopter, sports cars,and farm animals on a makeshift rectangular cardboard.This is how we want them to live whenthey are no longer poor, said Bandonil, the groups landscape designer.

Rich farmers

Sharon C. Caballero, grade 3 class adviser, shared that the students aretaught how to value the hard work of Filipino farmers in subjects such asSocial Studies. They wonder why the farmers in our country are poor,and perhaps thats the reason why they are more inspir ed to make alandform that depicts the life of a rich farmer, she said.Students

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Bernardo and Fernandez, both farmers children, are happy that they made an art work for their parents whom they hope to be as wealthy as the farmers in other countries.

Youth and agriculture

It is rare to meet youngsters nowadays to have such strong consciousness on agriculture. Butwhat do we have for Adonai boys to help strengthen their interest?

Fortunately, PhilRice created programs and conducts various events to attract the youth toagriculture and raise their consciousness on rice farming.The institute holds the Lakbay Palay forstudents. It is a half-day activity where students learn about new machines used in rice farming,new varieties, and information technology support including the PhilRice Text Center andPinoyRice . Young professionals of the Institute also engage the students in discussion to addresscommon misconceptions on agriculture.

In partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry, National Parks Development Committee, andthe Asia Rice Foundation, a rice garden was also established at the Luneta Park in Manila to

bring rice farming closer to urban youth. Soon, similar rice gardens will be put up in some majorcities of the country.In 2014, PhilRice re-launched the Rice Science Museum to promoteeducation on rice through culture and arts. Currently, it houses old and modern farm implements,artworks, and interactives on rice structure, ecosystems, biodiversity, and crop management. Onaverage, the museum welcomes 3,000-4,000 guests, mostly students, every month.The Adonai

boys hope that their dreams for the Filipino farmers will not remain in vain. It might take them alifetime, but the artwork is their first step.

Science City of Muoz recognizes PhilRice scientists

Three PhilRice scientists were recognized by the local government of the Science City of Muozin Nueva Ecija for giving pride and honor to the city and for their contribution in scientificresearch.The Institutes executive director Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., Ms. Thelma F. Padolina,and Dr. Riza A. Ramos received plaques of recognition during the Teachers and Employees

Night, January 9.Ramos was recognized for receiving the 2014 UPLB Distinguished AlumnaAward and Padolina for the Asian-wide Senadhira Rice Research Award given by theInternational Rice Research Institute.Padolina is the first Filipino and the first woman Senadhiraawardee.

Meanwhile, UPLB recognized Ramoss contribution in enhancing the micronutrient content(folate, iron and zinc) of Philippine rice, which created significant impact on the complementaryand sustainable solution to the micronutrient-deficiency problem in the country. She hasnumerous publications in the said area in refereed international journals.The UK-educatedscientist is currently the chief of PhilRices Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division. Hercurrent research involvement is on nutritional quality assessment important for Philippine rice,

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factors influencing food intake and nutritional status of rice-based farm households, and qualityassessment of iron and zinc rice lines.

Focused and significant accomplishments on rice breeding thereby contributing significantly toimproving Filipino farmers lives earned Padolina the Senadhira Rice Research Award.Phi lRice

is known for its world-class efforts in rice science. The staff complementing the mission ofPhilRice is one of the most important building blocks to sustain the excellent status of theInstitute, said Padolina.Padolina, who just recently retired, s erved the Institute for 26 years.

She chaired the Rice Technical Working Group (RTWG) from 1993 to 1995 and has been the National Cooperative Test Coordinator from 1998 to present. The RTWG implements the NCTand is a technical working group of the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) mandated underthe Seed Industry Development Act of 1992 (RA 7308) to nominate new and improved ricevarieties for cultivation.We are proud of the individual accomplishments of our staff memberswho have earned their awards through persistent dedication and hard work.

For PhilRice to preserve its tradition of excellence, it must continue to improve, said Rascowho received the Leadership Award.The City recognized 17 outstanding individuals fromdifferent agencies.The Science City of Muoz is home to various research and educationalinstitutions such as the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Philippine Carabao Center(PCC), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), and thePhilippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

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PhilRice Agusan is best branch station again

PhilRice Agusan received the top prize in the 2014 Best Station contest an annual internalcompetition organized by the Institute to elevate and improve the modalities in promoting newtechnologies in rice production. It also aims to highlight the best-fit practices of the stations inrice R&D.Agusan was also recognized for successfully and creatively executing the IntensifiedRice-Based Agri- bio Systems (IRBAS) program in support of PhilRices major advocacy, theRural Transformation Movement (RTM).

RTM aims to help reduce poverty by promoting diversified farming and agri-business ventures. Nucleus estates will be put up to give farmers access to support services including training,inputs, custom services, technologies, product development and packaging, and marketing.

I thank the PhilRice management for organizing this contest and all my colleagues for keepingour station beautiful, said Abner T. Montecalvo, station manager.PhilRice Midsayap and Batac

placed 2nd and 3rd, and were cited for creating a strategic research direction and for continuallyimproving their internal systems and processes in accordance with Integrated ManagementSystems standards. PhilRice has three ISO certifications.

The following awards were also given: Most Improved Field Day to Los Baos; Most InteractiveField Day to Negros; and Most Innovative External Linkage to Bicol.The judges traveled acrossthe country to evaluate each station based on the following: IRBAS (Rural TransformationCampaign Execution); level of mechanization; organization of field day; varietal demo; clientsatisfaction; innovations; internal processes and financial reports; housekeeping and safety; stateof infrastructure; income generation; and station management.

The judges were Dr. Rex Navarro, former director for communications of the International CropsResearch Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); Dr. Genaro San Valentin and ThelmaPadolina, PhilRice consultants; Charlene Tan, founder of Good Food Community; and DonaldMateo, from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization(PHilMech).PhilRice Agusan had earlier received the Best Field Day (2011) and Best Stationawards (2013).

"When You Know Something, Say What You Know.When You Don't Know Something, Say That You

Don't Know. That Is Knowledge." - Confucius