Iraq resumes purchases of U.S. rice

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – After months of uncertainty following U.S. government-imposed financial restrictions, Iraq again is purchasing rice from the United States. Over the weekend, ADM Rice sold a vessel of U.S. rice which will be loaded and sail to Iraq early this fall. “This news couldn’t have come at a better time, as harvest gets into full-swing in the mid-South, a sale of U.S. rice to Iraq is welcomed all around,” said Keith Glover, Arkansas rice miller and freshly minted chair of USA Rice. “We want to thank all those that assisted in restoring this market for us, including many in Congress who took an interest in finding a solution.” News of this sale comes after Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) met with Iraq’s Ambassador to the United States Nazar Al Khirullah last week to inquire about progress with the resumption of U.S. rice purchases for Iraq’s food basket items. The Senators and eight other Members of Congress sent a letter ...