Rice Straw Products Expo Opens July 19

Date

July 17, 2002

Release Number

02-30

Contacts

Gennet Paauwe

Public Information Office

(916) 322-2990

SACRAMENTO – Learn about products made from California rice straw:

Rice Straw Products Expo 2002
Friday, July 19
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sheraton Grand Hotel
1230 J Street
Sacramento, California

Exhibits and speakers will provide information on building materials, erosion control, agricultural uses and future developments for rice straw utilization. The Expo will showcase and encourage entrepreneurial uses of rice straw-based products.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Exhibits will include fiberboard, building and erosion control materials, and straw supplies.

To protect public health, rice straw burning in California has been restricted. Currently, over 500,000 acres of rice is grown in the Sacramento Valley, where the straw is either plowed back into the soil or it is bailed and removed. The California Air Resources Board has worked with farmers, business and other public/private groups to find alternatives to burning rice straw.

More information

CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The CARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.