Panama to Host 2011 World Rice Conference

Although Panama recently lost the rights to the 2013 Bolivarian Games, it will host the International Rice Conference in June 2011.

”President Martinelli’s in-depth understanding of rice farming and the world market brings a great level of excitement to our conference, and we greatly appreciate his accepting our invitation to participate in the opening ceremony,” said Dwight Roberts, President and CEO of the US Rice Producers Association.

The event will bring together over 500 rice farmers, millers and traders from 40 countries to promote new rice industry machines and technologies, according to a Panama government release.

Panama is one of the biggest rice consuming countries in the world with a per capita consumption of about 155 pounds a year.