Rice check-off programs fixed in Legislature, Jindal gets bills

Two bills, (HB 886 and HB 1045), funding vital research and promotion efforts for the state rice industry were unanimously approved by the Louisiana State Senate yesterday. The bills passed the House last month, and now head to Governor Jindal for his approval. The bills make changes to the Louisiana Rice Check-Off statutes introduced in response to the state Supreme Court's ruling late last year that elements of the statutes, created 40 years ago, were unconstitutional.
The newly minted legislation was the result of unprecedented unity from all segments of the $2 billion state industry and sets assessments at current levels, expands the size of the rice research and promotion boards by two seats each, and provides a refund provision for any growers who do not wish to support research or promotion activities funded by check-off dollars.
"The rice research and rice promotion programs are both key components to the success and sustainability of our Rice Industry today and for generations to come. I am glad we were able to come together collectively as a Rice Industry and pass this legislation," said Richard Fontenot, chairman of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Rice Advisory Committee.
"In 1972 our predecessors had the foresight to initiate grower-directed rice research and promotion check-off programs to ensure a viable industry for years to come," said John Owen, a rice farmer from Rayville and president of the Louisiana Rice Growers Association. "I greatly admire their forward thinking and I, along with every other grower in the state, am reaping the benefits of that vision today. I am pleased that all segments of the Louisiana rice industry came together to lead efforts to ensure that these critical check-off programs continue."