Sad …
to see our collective reaction to news is one of consistent fear and panic. Helped along by a willing media. The rice ‘rationing’ issue at Costco hit the news media a day or two ago, now it’s headlining Reuters, with little background info. From what I’ve read, the US exports 50% of its rice, and we’re the #12 producer of the grain. Keep an even keel, we have large domestic supplies.
In the bigger picture, global warming is making itself felt again. But there are other factors. Go back to April 17, NY Times, and learn of the Australian drought. On top of untoward nature, “… Australia’s total rice capacity has declined by about a third because many farmers have permanently sold water rights, mostly for grape production. And production last year was far lower because of a severe shortage of water; rice farmers received one-eighth of the water they are usually promised by the government.” Wine or rice? Your choice.
Don’t be fooled by the panics of the last 24 hours. The issue’s complex, as most are. I’m not trying to come off as the arbiter of fact ... just insisting on folks Googling modern muddled media misinformation.
