Thailand to host the International Rice Congress (IRC) 2014
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Yukol Limlaemthong said it was both an honour and a great opportunity for Thailand to have been chosen as the host of the 4th IRC this year. In conjunction with the International Rice Research Institute, the event will be organized under the title “Rice for the World”. The ministry has convened a meeting with relevant agencies, such as the Rice Department, the Thai Rice Foundation and research institutes in preparation for the rice congress. Mr Yukol revealed that a meeting of the Council for Partnership in Rice Research in Asia and the 29th International Rice Research Conference would be held as part of the IRC.
There will be exhibitions on rice research as well as related innovations and technologies. The minister stated that the upcoming congress was aimed at fostering networks among rice researchers at the international level to facilitate the exchange of knowledge concerning the cash crop. He was also confident that the event would help promote the quality and uniqueness of Thai rice and further Thailand’s cooperation with neighboring countries in related fields.
The IRC 2014 will be held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) from October 27th to November 1st. Approximately 1,500 participants, comprising researchers, academics, private entrepreneurs, exporters and importers, are expected.
