ARLINGTON, VA – The USA Rice World Market Price Subcommittee held its final meeting of 2026 via Zoom on October 22^nd, convening to discuss supply and demand, export sales, field yield estimates, and milling quality. Subcommittee members generally agreed with USDA field yield projections, though some states suggested yields may end up being slightly higher or lower than what USDA has estimated. Members also brought up questions regarding USDA’s import and export projections, gave initial milling quality projections from each state, and discussed USDA’s projected average farm prices for LG, and California & southern MG.

Following the subcommittee meeting, subcommittee members and USA Rice staff met with teams from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Economic Research Service (ERS), and World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) departments. World Market Price Subcommittee Chairman Keith Glover provided feedback from subcommittee members regarding NASS statistics and reviewed the areas where members thought changes could be made.

To wrap up the day, the subcommittee received market updates from staff from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). FAS outlined trade developments in key export markets, including Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Haiti, and provided a summary of USDA food aid programming for 2026-2027 and an update of the global rice situation.

“Three times per year, we have the pleasure of sharing perspectives with our colleagues at USDA,” said World Market Price Subcommittee chair Keith Glover. “This year, we find ourselves at a difficult moment for the U.S. rice industry and we are especially appreciative for the opportunity to work together with USDA to find solutions to benefit the industry.”

Published Date: November 7, 2026