Lotus Foods Introduces Organic Red Rice from Madagascar, the Red Island

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Jun 23, 2016, 07:00 ET

RICHMOND, Calif., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lotus Foods is pleased to extend its line of exceptional heirloom, organic and specialty rices with an Organic Red Rice from Madagascar, now available in 15oz retail bags and bulk 22lb bags.

We know who grows our rice. Lanja Rajaonesilala is a More Crop Per Drop(TM) farmer in Amparafaravola, Madagascar. This agroecological method enables her to harvest more than enough rice to feed her family and sell her Organic Red Rice to Lotus Foods. MCPD farmers can double and triple their yields using up to 50% less water, 80-90% less seed, no agrochemicals and with less toil for women. This also cuts production costs and boosts profits. Lotus Foods works with MCPD farmers in five countries.

"This is an important breakthrough" says Caryl Levine, Lotus Foods Co-Founder/Co-CEO. "We transitioned from a beloved Bhutan Red Rice to the Malagasy Red Rice, which represents our commitment to farmers who are not only growing rice organically but with agroecological methods that produce more rice with less seeds and water." Globally called the System of Rice Intensification, or what the company calls More Crop Per Drop™, farmers can double and triple their rice yields using up to 50% less water and 80-90% less seed. "Higher yields from the same plot with MCPD™ and organic price premiums can increase incomes, reduce methane gas emissions, and relieve pressure on what is left of Madagascar's biodiverse rainforest, " explains Levine. Madagascar is rich in natural resources but one of the world's poorest countries. "Farmers are selling only a portion of their harvest to Lotus Foods," Levine notes. "Most of it goes into local markets to meet local food needs. This is a win-win for everyone."

U.S. consumers will appreciate the high micronutrient content of the rice. It is a 100% whole grain with a rich nutty flavor that cooks in 30 minutes. "Our new Organic Red Rice is a healthier option," notes Ken Lee, Lotus Foods' other Co-Founder/Co-CEO. "Since the country's farmers have been too poor to afford synthetic agrochemicals, soils and water are uncontaminated with fertilizer and pesticide residues, which can contain arsenic as well as other heavy metals. Further, research shows that growing rice aerobically—a key principle of More Crop Per Drop™—can reduce the presence of arsenic in rice." Preliminary tests confirm these findings.

The company's introduction of the Organic Red Rice coincides with the launch of their 'Do the Rice Thing' campaign, which draws attention to the benefits of More Crop Per Drop™ growing methods for water and women.

Since 1995, Lotus Foods has partnered in fair trade with small family farmers around the world who are growing rice more sustainably and preserving rice biodiversity. Lotus Foods' product line is unique in delivering consumers healthier rice and value-added products that respect their multiple concerns for the highest standards of taste together with social and environmental impact. Lotus Foods is a certified B Corporation.

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SOURCE Lotus Foods