Rice deal boosts Louisiana farmers

A new U.S. rice deal with Iraq will boost Louisiana farmers as the milling season begins here for this year's ongoing harvest.

Fifth District Congressman Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, was among those who announced Iraq has agreed to buy 15,000 metric tons of American rice in its latest contract with America.

Abraham is Louisiana's only member of the House Agriculture Committee and lobbied for the deal in a letter to Ambassador Douglas Silliman.

"This is a tremendous win for American rice producers," Abraham said. "Anytime we can sell our commodities in large transactions like these, it elevates the entire industry. "Louisiana is one of the top rice-producing states in the nation (along with Arkansas and California), and our growers will almost certainly benefit from this deal."

To read the full story, click here.