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Thursday, 17 November 2005 This year sees the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the Ricegrowers' Association of Australia (RGA). The RGA was formed in the face of adversity in 1930 to unite the small group of pioneer rice growers into an effective and cohesive force. A fledgling industry at the time, disconsolate rice growers had met in Leeton to “wind up” the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area Ricegrowers’ Cooperative Society after it suffered financial losses caused by unscrupulous Sydney and Melbourne based milling companies. Growers decided at this meeting that they needed to form an Association to protect their interests and investigate ways of moving their industry forward, in grower hands. In the early days, the focus for the Association was on building the infrastructure needed to enable growers to mill and market their own rice. In 1928 growers had presented a petition to the NSW State Parliament asking that a marketing board be set up and so the first commodity Marketing Board in NSW, the Rice Marketing Board was proclaimed on 9 November 1928. The Rice Marketing Board began its second term in1931 and with the encouragement of the Association, took a stronger, pro-grower stance. In 1950 the RGA led the development of the Ricegrowers' Cooperative, and the Leeton mill opened 1951. “The legacy of these early growers has resulted in our industry being one of the most united and well organized in Australia,” said RGA President Laurie Arthur. Today, the Australian rice industry is recognised worldwide for its high quality and our locally grown rice is demanded by the higher priced international markets. Each year the industry earns around $800 million in revenue, which includes nearly $500 million from value-added exports through the grower-owned SunRice brands. A range of activities are proposed to celebrate the 75th Anniversary, including the laying of a plaque in Leeton to commemorate the birthplace of the RGA, which is a joint initiative of the RGA and Leeton Shire Council. Other activities include the production of a DVD on the history of the RGA using the knowledge and experience of RGA Honorary Councillors and long time members. Plans are also underway for a 2006 commemoration of the first meeting of the RGA’s Central Executive which took place in Leeton in March 1931. “For the last 75 years, the RGA has been at the forefront of fighting for a profitable long-term future for individual rice growers and their industry. Despite this success, today's rice growers more than ever need the Association to continue the task as our rural industries face the challenges of the next century,” said Mr Arthur. “Whilst we are obviously disappointed at the announcement last night, of the deregulation of the domestic rice market, we are fortunate that 85% of production is exported and we have long experience of a very competitive domestic market. It should be remembered that currently the Australian rice market is open to tariff-free, rice exports from all over the world and that our company, SunRice, is well placed to retain its dominant position in the domestic market. “Under the new arrangements we have every confidence that we will effectively retain our single desk exports, which all studies have shown generates an enormous benefit to the Australian community.” “The RGA continues to fight for growers. This year, the incorrect media coverage about rice water use, the on-going drought, and now the deregulation of the rice industry have increased public scrutiny of our industry but we are here for the long haul,” he said. A plaque will be laid to commemorate the location of the meeting that founded the RGA on 18 November 2005, at 72 Wade Avenue, Leeton at 2pm. The plaque will be unveiled by Kay Hull MP and Adrian Piccoli MP. A reception will be held at Leeton Shire Council Chambers from 2.30pm. Speeches will be given and a “birthday cake” will be cut. Media are welcome Media Contacts: CONTACT |
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