S ushiMasters has completed its first competitions on the East Coast, attracting hundreds of spectators and adding to the interest in this California rice- based cuisine. Washington, D.C. was the site of the first SushiMasters east of the Mississippi, with the April 4 event held as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Competing in the elegant rotunda room of the Ronald Reagan Building, Randy Noprapa of Tara Thai took Serving the California Rice Industry June 2009 Vol. 11, Number 3 T he California Rice Commission has embarked on a mul- tifaceted program, in response to the ongoing California drought and increasingly contentious water debate. With continual coordination among industry, allied groups and our Water Crisis Management Team, the CRC is working on several fronts to educate opinion leaders and decision makers about the value of maintaining sufficient water in California rice, and the efficient way rice farmers use water. “There is no more important issue for the rice industry than ensuring we will have sufficient water in the future,” said CRC Chairman Mark Kimmelshue. “We are committed to making sure that legislators and others better understand how efficient California rice growers are with our most precious resource - water.” Elements of the program include research with the University of California and Ducks Unlimited, to assess the critical role rice has in providing habitat to the Pacific Flyway. Another part involves a 10-year initiative with UC Davis, to evaluate Comprehensive water education effort gains momentum Continued on page 5 SushiMasters crowns two East Coast winners Continued on page 2 CLIMATE CHANGE PAGE 3 • WATER QUALITY PAGE 4 • LEGISLATIVE DAY PAGE 6
Transcript
SushiMasters has completed its first competitions on
the East Coast, attracting hundreds of spectators and adding to the interest in this California rice-based cuisine.
Washington, D.C. was the site of the first SushiMasters east of the Mississippi, with the April 4 event held as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Competing in the elegant rotunda room of the Ronald Reagan Building, Randy Noprapa of Tara Thai took
Serving the California Rice Industry
June 2009Vol. 11, Number 3
The California Rice Commission has embarked on a mul-tifaceted program, in response to the ongoing California drought and increasingly contentious water debate.
With continual coordination among industry, allied groups and our Water Crisis Management Team, the CRC is working on several fronts to educate opinion leaders and decision makers about the value of maintaining sufficient water in California rice, and the efficient way rice farmers use water.
“There is no more important issue for the rice industry than ensuring we will have sufficient water in the future,” said CRC Chairman Mark Kimmelshue. “We are committed to making sure that legislators and others better understand how efficient California rice growers are with our most precious resource - water.”
Elements of the program include research with the University of California and Ducks Unlimited, to assess the critical role rice has in providing habitat to the Pacific Flyway. Another part involves a 10-year initiative with UC Davis, to evaluate
Comprehensive water education effort gains momentum
Continued on page 5
SushiMasters crowns two East Coast winners
Continued on page 2
CL IMATE CHANGE PAGE 3 • WATER QUAL I TY PAGE 4 • L EG IS LAT IVE DAY PAGE 6
2
SushiMasters
home gold and bronze medals, besting other area chefs, Edzar Sevilla of Café Mozu at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hyung Joon Lee of Perry’s and John Yamashita of Sticky Rice.
The prestigious judging panel in-cluded pioneering restaurateur Toshio Takeishi, Chef Kaz Okochi of Kaz Sushi Bistro, Takashi Ohde of Hitachi, Ltd., Hiroaki Kojimi, from the Embassy of Japan, Washington Post food writer Melissa McCart and Kay Enokido of the Hay-Adams Hotel.
Media write up of the event included mentions in the Associated Press, Washington Post and USA Today.
Some three hundred sushi fans in Miami attended the first regional in Florida on May 15. This SushiMasters competition was incorporated in an event called Japan Week, which in-cluded multiple cultural activities.
The competition was coordinated in conjunction with the Consulate of Japan, Miami and the Alliance Francaise, a prominent cultural association in Miami. Although, the competition served as the main event for the day, this event also provided spectators with food tasting and demos that featured California rice.
Competitors in this area included four chefs and restaurants primarily
from the Miami area, including Hiro Asano, Abokado, Nestor Espartero of Sushi Bistro of Ocala, Toshi Furihata of Moshi Moshi, and Takeshi Kamioka of Tokyo Sushi. Chef Furihata won a double gold for his Morikomi and Signature roll entries that incorporated Latin flavors. The judges included Naohito Watanabe, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of Japan-Miami, Koichi Muramatsu, Consul, Consulate General of Japan-Miami, Lee Klein, Food Critic, Miami New Times and Philippe Timon, Director of the Alliance Francaise de Miami.
Media coverage of the event included the Miami Herald and Miami New Times.
The competitions were made pos-sible through the CRC’s presenting sponsor, Kirin Brewery, an Anheuser-Busch company. Both events fea-tured abundant messaging of the im-portance of California rice, including in Japanese cuisine.
Winning chefs from the Washington, D.C. and Florida Regionals advance to the September 20 SushiMasters Finals in Los Angeles. The rest of the competition will come from the SushiMasters California Regional, June 25, in San Diego.
Washington, D.C. winning chef Randy Noprapa.
Continued from page 1
SushiMasters Florida competitors, including winning chef Toshi Furihata.
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CRC moves forward to prepare for climate change regulations
Over the past few years, the CRC has been very involved in preparations for future reg-
ulations on climate change. It is still a bit unclear as to how such regulations may eventually affect agriculture. Our strategy has been to work proactively to position rice to assist larger sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions achieve compliance through a cap and trade system. These sources will be looking for cost-effective emission “offsets” to help them meet their emis-sion reduction mandates. An “offset” is a ton of GHG emission reductions resulting from a voluntary action. It is expected that a free market will emerge as larger emitters seek to purchase offsets from many smaller emissions sources such as farms and ranches.
The backbone of our effort is the de-velopment of a state-of-the-art com-puter modeling system, built specifi-cally for California rice. This system will estimate industry-wide emissions and the emissions reductions from cer-tain practices that will be demonstrated to reduce GHG emissions. This ac-tivity has been funded by a $1.2 mil-lion grant project co-managed by the California Rice Commission and the Environmental Defense Fund.
Here is an update on the progress and developments to this point:
• Emissions Model – The model is nearing completion and ready for validation and testing. This activity involves comparing the reductions predicted by the model with actual field measurements in the field. This work is being performed by Dr. Bill Salas of Applied GeoSolutions.
• Field Monitoring – A year’s worth of continuous emissions measure-ment of a variety of field practices has been completed at the Rice Experiment Station. The data is now being processed by the modeler for model validation. This moni-toring effort was co-funded by the Rice Research Board, Environmental Defense Fund and the CRC. This work is being managed by Dr. William Horwath at UC Davis.
• Field Practice Trials and Evaluations – Over the next year, we will be evaluating a few practices that we know will reduce GHG emissions. The goal will be to evaluate whether they make any sense for a GHG credit program based upon agro-nomic and economic considerations. Specifically, we will examine the following:
1. Rice Straw Baling – We will be conducting economic evaluation and specific pilot projects with a goal to actually issue GHG credits for baling activity.
2. Mid-season Drainage – On a very small scale, we are planning to work with a Butte County grower to test
out the feasibility and impacts of mid-season drainage on the rice crop.
3. Precision Ag and Drill Seeding – We will be examining feasibility and cost issues associated with these practices to determine whether they are suitable for a GHG credit program.
Along with being a proactive partici-pant in the regulatory activities at both the state and federal levels, these are the areas the CRC is involved in to prepare the rice industry for a future of GHG regulations. Our goal is to have reasonably consistent state and federal programs and to position rice to be part of the solution to climate change issues in California.
Left: UC staff researcher Ray Stogsdill launches soil moisture and temperature probes, in support of the GHG study. (Photo courtesy Cass Mutters)
UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Randall “Cass” Mutters takes soil samples at a Butte County rice farm for the ongoing study.
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Pesticide use impacts water quality
Most growers, PCAs, county biologists and farm advi-sors are aware that almost
every rice pesticide has water holding requirements and buffer zones in ad-dition to the Rice Pesticides Program products, thiobencarb (Bolero/Abolish) and molinate (Ordram). The require-ments are in place for a multitude of reasons including product efficacy, wildlife protection, or mitigating taste complaints as in the case of thioben-
The CRC wrote a summary in last month’s News You Can Use of the re-cent court ruling on whether pesticide
applications require an NPDES permit. A great deal of activity is underway on this subject, while patience is necessary to allow the pieces to fall into place.
On April 9, 2009, the Department of Justice vacated the U.S. EPA final rule from November 2006. Reversing the
carb. Most importantly, water holding requirements provide the rice industry the credibility of being the only com-modity with proven best management practices to protect water quality.
For pesticides other than thiobencarb and molinate, the water holding re-quirements and buffer zones are on the label. Inclusion on a label is equivalent to law – a requirement. Not all county biologists will keep track of every rice field, especially when treated with a
non-restricted pesticide. It is imperative that the rice industry be proactive in self-regulation to maintain the current selection of crop protection tools.
Remember that the maximum water holding requirement for all thioben-carb products is 30 days, and 28 days for molinate.
Please see the following table for the water holding requirements of pesticides not in the Rice Pesticides Program:
TRADE NAME ACTIVE INGREDIENT WATER HOLD TIME PROVISIONS
Shark® Herbicide Carfentrazone-ethyl 5-days static Less if closed system 30-days release
Cerano™ 5 MEG Clomazone 14-days None
Clincher™ CA Cyhalofop-butyl 7-days None
Whip® 360 Herbicide Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 14-days Applies to use of irrigation water to other crops
Stam™ 80 EDF Propanil 7-days Less if closed system
Grandstand™ CA Herbicide Triclopyr TEA 20-days Less if closed system
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) bears watching
ruling means that the 6th Circuit Court held that Clean Water Act permits are required for all biological and chemical pesticide applications that leave a residue in water, if the action leaves a residue in water when applied over, including or near waters of the state.
Several actions are in play, including the U.S. EPA requesting a stay of the order. The California mosquito abatement districts
have permits for larvicide applications, however, the authorization does not extend to adulticides. A cease and de-sist order to curtail mosquito abatement applications was filed by several public interest groups against aerial spraying of pesticides.
You can find additional information at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.
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Water Education
how rice can become even more effi-cient users of rice.
Through predominantly already bud-geted funds, a new ad debuted last month, entitled “Rice Growers Make Every Drop Count.” It was distrib-uted in full-page, full color ads in the Sacramento Bee, Capitol Weekly and the Marysville Appeal-Democrat. Factoring in an Internet campaign through the Bee and Yahoo.com, this message was delivered to more than 700,000 readers and Internet consumers. Copies of the ad will be delivered to all legislators in the coming weeks.
Another extremely valuable outreach has been visits to legislators and top aides. CRC President & CEO Tim Johnson visited with 75 offices in the Assembly and Senate during a two-week period in the spring, relaying in-formation on California rice, its water
Continued from page 1
efficiency and importance to the state’s environment and economy.
“These meetings were of tremendous value,” Johnson noted. “It was encour-aging to see that all of those I met with were receptive, interested and impressed with just how efficient California rice growers are with water, and the many
CRC President & CEO Tim Johnson covers key issues involving rice and water, during a meeting with Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani.
benefits that occur when our farms have sufficient irrigation supplies.”
The CRC will remain engaged on key water issues for the foreseeable future, engaging decision makers and opinion leaders on many levels to ensure they have the facts on this critically impor-tant subject.
California rice prominent at Capitol Agriculture Celebration
The west steps of the State Capitol were again teaming with inter-ested parties, during this year’s
California Agriculture Day celebration held March 24.
The CRC booth included industry information, recipes and nearly 2,000 Rice Krispies treats, which were quickly gobbled up by appreciative attendees.
Ag Day provided industry members an opportunity to speak with legisla-tors, key state officials and the public about the important role rice plays in California.
Left: The CRC’s Jessica Welch hands a Rice Krispies Treat to an appreciative attendee.
Below: CRC Chairman Mark Kimmelshue visits with Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi at the Ag Day Celebration.
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2009 Legislative Day provides meaningful contact with Capitol lawmakers
From morning meetings with top legislators and members of the administration to an ac-
tion-packed luncheon, California rice leaders carried out another successful Legislative Day.
The fast-paced day began with morning meetings between industry leaders and a diverse group of Capitol heavyweights, including Senator Leland Yee, Assembly Member Fiona Ma, John Hewitt of CDFA, John Moffatt
Growers are becoming aware that most irrigation districts have already received notice from the State Water Resources Control Board that water for fall
straw decomposition will be limited, if available at all. Similar letters were sent to districts last year, but ultimately the impact was manageable. With an increased focus on retaining max-imum water in storage for a potential fourth year of drought, most are expecting a different outcome this time around.
The CRC is working with Glenn–Colusa Irrigation District and our conservation partners to begin a discussion with the governor’s office on the importance of winter-flooded rice for the Pacific Flyway and migratory shorebirds.
Assembly Member Fiona Ma visits with rice industry delegation, including grower Sean Doherty (right).
“This is where the value of our rice beyond the economic impact of production comes clearly into focus”, noted CRC President & CEO Tim Johnson. “The administration needs to hear first-hand the impact that reduced fall flooding will have on the flyway.”
In addition, the CRC is engaging the Air Resources Board to explore improvements in the burn program that would enable maximum opportunities to burn during this period of reduced winter water allocations.
“While any change to the phase down law itself is not feasible, we will pursue measures to make the burn program as efficient as possible,” commented CRC Environmental Affairs Manager Paul Buttner.
Fall Decomp update
of the Schwarzenegger administra-tion and Dennis O’Connor, Principal Consultant to the Senate Water Committee.
Issues discussed included the wildlife habitat value of ricelands and water use efficiency of California rice growers.
Legislative Day concluded with the Circle of Life Reception at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. The more than 130 guests enjoyed sushi and comfort food dishes, all featuring
California rice varieties. KCRA TV News Anchor Edie Lambert served as Emcee, and provided interesting com-ments about how much she appreciates California rice.
“As the daughter of biologists, I really value open fields and the habitat that the rice fields provide,” Lambert said. “Two hundred twenty species of wild-life make their home in our rice fields. As we see more development and agri-culture land paved over, the fields are so critical.”
Also at the reception, the University of California Cooperative Extension won this year’s Circle of Life Award, for their long partnership with the rice industry.
On display was the 2009 rice box artwork; a vase entitled “Fields of Inspiration”, from internationally rec-ognized glassblower Richard Satava of Continued on page 7
2009 Circle of Life winners included Luis Espino, Jim Thompson and Chris Greer.
The message of the value of California rice came in the form of a samurai sword,
during recent competitions at the state and U.S. capitols.
In what has become an anticipated tradition in Sacramento, legislators and the Administration squared off in the Capitol Roller contest during the CRC’s Circle of Life Reception in Sacramento.
In fun but spirited competition, Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani defeated Senator Abel Maldonado and State Water Resources Control Board Chair Charlie Hoppin in producing a California roll. Chef/Owner Billy Ngo of Kru Restaurant in Sacramento pro-vided expert guidance.
The CRC in April hosted its first ever Washington, DC Capitol Roller Competition in the Agriculture Committee Hearing Room in the House of Representatives Longworth Building. Chandler Goule,
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Capitol Roller winners emerge in California and Washington, DC
CRC Major Amendment receives too few ballots
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has finished counting the ballots
for the major amendment and has re-ceived only 32 percent of the ballots from eligible producers. For the vote to be valid, 40 percent of the producers needed to cast a ballot.
“This fall, the CRC will review its strategic plan and adjust programs and staff to conform to projected income using the current ten cent per hundred-weight assessment cap,” commented CRC Chairman Mark Kimmelshue. “In addition, we will work with the USDA and CDFA to identify the most accurate producer list for future refer-endums. The current list was compiled using FSA data and had more than 4,000 names. We know that is far more than the actual number of growers who produce rice as defined under statute.”
Staff Director for the House Ag Committee was victorious over Derek Harley, Chief of Staff to Representative Wally Herger and Callie Varner, Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Dennis Cardoza.
The reception and competition in the nation’s capitol attracted more than 100 staffers and VIPS, including several top officials from Japan, the Embassy of Lao and the Philippines. Media coverage included Capitol Weekly and Washingtonian magazine.
Assembly Member Galgiani and Senator Maldonado in the final stages of making a California Roll.
Chico. Rice boxes were again delivered to all members of the Legislature, while the vase commissioned by the CRC currently is on display in the office of Senator Dean Florez, Chair of the Senate Food and Agriculture Committee.
The Circle of Life Reception gar-nered coverage from the Sacramento Bee, Stockton Record, Merced Sun-Star, KFBK News Talk 1530, KCRA Channel 3, Telemundo, Capitol Morning Report and Capitol Television News Service, which garnered reports on 10 other television stations, in-cluding KABC in Los Angeles.
Laura Quinones-Murphy, Domestic & International Promotion Manager
Jessica Welch, Administrative Assistant
PresortedStandard
U.S. Postage PAID
Sacramento, CAPermit No. 1704
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This newsletter is printed with 75% recycled and reused paper.
The California Rice Commission will host its sixth California shorebird carving competition during a summer event in Sacramento.
The CRC is a co-sponsor of the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s annual Wildlife Art Festival, an event that attracts hundreds of enthusiasts. The event, held July 11 and 12 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, provides a tremendous oppor-tunity to remind the conservation community about the impor-tant relationship between California ricelands and waterbirds.
This year, the CRC is sponsoring two carving categories, with competitors crafting life-sized renditions of a Black-necked Stilt and a drake Cinnamon Teal.
The CRC will receive acknowledgement for program support, and has been extended free admission to all of its members. Your admission pass (left) can be clipped out and used for entrance to the festival.
For a copy of the program guide or additional free passes, please call Jessica Welch of the CRC at (916) 387-2264.
CRC partners with wildlife artists in upcoming festival
