Breeding Rice For Central America
USA Rice
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Combined, the countries of Central America are the second largest export market for U.S. rice. However, changes in consumer preference and U.S. quality vis-à-vis other origins has put U.S. rice at a disadvantage. The U.S. industry needs to find a solution, so Dr. Steve Linscombe sat down with three people hard at work on this for The Rice Stuff podcast episode 44, available now.
LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Adam Famoso explained how new rice varieties are developed, how they are rolled out, and unique ways he and his researchers can address grain quality issues.
Rice breeding graduate student and Ph.D. candidate Raul Guerra, also at LSU, talked about his research that could help unlock greater Latin American acceptance, and differences in rice consumption and preferences here and in his native Nicaragua.
USA Rice Vice President of International Sarah Moran rounded out the show providing background on the market and her team’s efforts at promoting U.S. rice in Latin America, including the targeted Quality Symposium series.
“These are extremely important customers so our quality events are designed to bring together customers, rice breeders, growers, and millers to share experiences, expectations, and goals,” explained Moran who organized the most recently USA Rice Quality Symposium at the USA Rice Outlook Conference in December. “It’s very important we all be on the same page to preserve and grow these great markets.”
Amylose content can be a sticking point in these markets with Latin Americans generally favoring high amylose content rice that tends to cook up fluffier with individual grains. Famoso explained how he’s been able to use Marker Assisted Selection to zero in on rice lines with more favorable traits for the market.
Following the main topic, a heated discussion of changes to Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Oreos ensued.
New episodes of The Rice Stuff are published on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month and can be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.