<h1>Commerce Department offers non-financial support for industry-organized international rice conference while private organizers fund logistics and buyer travel</h1> The Commerce Department and other government bodies will provide non-financial support to an industry-organized international rice conference in October 2025, while logistical and exhibition expenses, including buyer travel and accommodation, are being paid by the private organizers and co-partners through their funds and sponsorships. The Commerce Department states it has no role in appointing the private trade body's leadership and that a government export promotion authority is facilitating coordination among line ministries. The Department declined to comment on press allegations concerning the trade body's national president, characterizing them as private matters.