Bradford retains rice role

Mr Bradford said the importance of the RMB is maintaining local rice as a ‘‘premium commodity’’.

As per the Rice Marketing Act 1983, all NSW rice is vested (owned) by the RMB.

This means that rice produced in NSW can only be exported with the permission of the board, which is granted through the distribution of licences.

‘‘I am very happy to have been re-elected for a third term; as a grower and board member I understand the importance of rice vesting in this region,’’ said Mr Bradford.

Since 2006 RMB has chosen to issue just one vesting licences, to SunRice.

The RMB has also entered into an exclusivity agreement with SunRice that ensures no other international export licences will be issued.

‘‘Rice from the Riverina will always be a premium commodity,’’ said Mr Bradford.

‘‘People who understand rice, they want ours, and that’s because of that iconic paddock-to-plate story.

‘‘During my time on SunRice and the Rice Marketing Board I have been proud to promote that story.’’

There are seven board members on the RMB, two of which are selected to be ambassadors to the board of SunRice.

Mr Bradford will seek to nominate for the position following the confirmation of his appointment, which is conducted by the NSW Government.

‘‘If selected, my aim will be to continue to promote the importance of vesting, improve returns to growers through an increase in paddy prices, and build the company (SunRice) through acquisition,’’ said Mr Bradford.

The Australian rice industry has shared in the pain wrought by the COVID pandemic in addition to the ongoing volatility of Australian agriculture.

Ongoing shipping delays and two consecutive years of low water allocations are only some of the adversities experienced by the industry as a whole.

But Mr Bradford is confident in the future of Australian rice, and has committed to advocating for measures that will ensure its ongoing success and stability.

‘‘The free-market deal negotiated with the UK is an exciting opportunity for us,’’ he said.

‘‘I believe the government has negotiated a good deal, that will present an opportunity for SunRice to leverage that market.’’

Mr Bradford has also tipped that the European Union, and China will be major buyers in the years to come.

‘‘Both of those markets are willing to pay a premium for high quality product like ours.’’

However, supply chain issues and the ongoing shortage of food-grade shipping containers has shone a light on the importance of ensuring domestic supply of quality goods.

‘‘COVID has sharpened the focus on what Australians need to do; which is making sure that we invest in our food security and sovereign capabilities.

‘‘Something we will be pushing for is food security and the assurance that there will always be sufficient water for food production.

‘‘As a smart nation we need to make sure we have both reserves, and the ability to grow food in times of adversity.’’

Also elected to the RMB in the recent election was Finley farmer Ian Mason, who has been on the board since 2017, and newcomer Melissa De Bortoli from the Griffith region. She is an executive-level management accountant and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.