Industry News

CRC Teams Up to Address Indirect Drought Impacts on our Communities

CRC Teams Up to Address Indirect Drought Impacts on our Communities

Working with NCWA, the California Warehouse Association, the California Ag Aircraft Association and the Western Plant Health Association, the California Rice Commission is actively pursuing relief for our employees, mills, dryers, applicators and suppliers to offset an estimated $250 million in indirect losses as a result of the drought.

This third year of drought will bring impacts to the Sacramento Valley unlike any we have seen before. Farm land will be idled, jobs lost and businesses will struggle. Our mills and dryers will handle far less rice. Ag aviation companies will ground planes. Valley-wide, NCWA estimates nearly one billion dollars of impacts will be realized for agriculture across the region. 

The five organizations, working together at the state and federal level, are advancing discussions with Legislators and the Newsom and Biden Administrations on the immediate need for assistance. The Sacramento Valley represents just a portion of this worsening drought, now spanning California and the West, one that will require a coordinated response. Levels of funding and how relief gets to those who need it are still far from clear. What we do know is that we must engage now if we are to make a difference.

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California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

The California Warehouse Association (CWA) has shared the following informational letter and best practices flyer:

As the new harvest season approaches, we hope this letter finds you well. This letter is a friendly reminder about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in keeping foreign materials out of trucks and bins. 

Our collective efforts to ensure purity and quality of the rice we handle are crucial not only for the success of our individual operations, but also for upholding the reputation of the entire California rice industry. Contaminants and foreign materials can compromise the quality of our product, lead to costly issues down the line, and impact our relationships with customers and partners. 

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Regular Inspections: Implement routine checks to ensure that all trucks and bins are clean and free from any residual materials before loading. A thorough inspection can help prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff involved in the handling and transportation of rice are well-trained on procedures for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination. 

3. Clear Protocols: Maintain clear and effective protocols for addressing any issues that arise, and make sure these protocols are communicated and followed consistently. 

4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment and facilities used in the handling and storage of rice to prevent contamination. 

Our shared commitment to these practices will not only help us maintain the high standards of our product but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient harvest season. We ask that you share these reminders with your growers and farm bins. A one-page flyer is included with this letter that can be easily distributed. The flyer can be downloaded here

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your ongoing dedication to the quality of California’s rice industry. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a successful and bountiful harvest season!

Drew Becker 
CWA President

For more information please contact the California Warehouse Association at (916) 441-1149 or email brooke@agamsi.com.