The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) encourages and helps secure opportunities for minority farmers to gain traction in international trade as well as growing and promoting their business. Last year, FAS started working closely with Arkansas River Rice, the only black-owned rice mill in the United States.
Through his work with FAS, Arkansas River Rice owner, PJ Haynie, received his introduction to global trade, as he participated in an agribusiness trade mission. Alongside Former USDA Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh and FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley, Haynie traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania.
“It was such an eye-opening experience to have boots on the ground and see how what we grow can make a difference in the lives of people we’ve never met,” Haynie said. “It allowed me to think about the logistics of shipping internationally and the ways we can incorporate that into our daily operations.”
Inspired by the trade mission, Haynie applied for Arkansas River Rice to become one of the suppliers for the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program. The program helps FAS boost food security, education, and child development in low-income countries experiencing a worldwide food shortage.
Source: usda.gov
Photo Credit: gettyimages-gabrielabertolini
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