ALVIN, TX (September 2025) RiceTec, a global leader in hybrid rice technology, is proud to announce its feature in Food Chain magazine, spotlighting the company’s transformative role in advancing sustainable rice farming worldwide. The article, titled “Hybrid Rice (R)evolution: How RiceTec is Championing Sustainable Rice Agriculture, One Field at a Time,” highlights RiceTec’s innovative approach to hybrid rice development and its impact on food security, climate resilience, and farmer profitability.

RiceTec first introduced commercial hybrid rice to the US market in 2000, marking a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. Since then, the company has expanded its reach to Brazil, India, and beyond, with hybrid rice seeds now used by farmers across Europe, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Rice is one of the world’s four major crops – alongside soy, corn, and wheat – but has historically received less technological innovation. RiceTec has worked to change that by leading advancements in sustainable rice agriculture. Through science-based innovation, the company continues to create value for farmers, consumers, and the planet, driving progress in productivity, climate resilience, and resource efficiency.

The article details RiceTec’s cutting-edge portfolio of hybrid rice seeds, which offer higher yields  and greater resilience to climate stress. These seeds support modern planting systems like direct-seeded rice (DSR), which reduce water use and methane emissions, key sustainability challenges in traditional rice farming.

RiceTec’s feature in Food Chain underscores the company’s leadership in agricultural technology and its dedication to shaping a more sustainable future for rice farming.

Read the article here

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About RiceTec

RiceTec leads innovation in sustainable rice agriculture, creating more value for farmers, consumers, and the planet. For over 30 years, RiceTec has advanced rice cultivation through cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to global food security. As the only seed company focused solely on rice, RiceTec is uniquely positioned to lead the transition towards more sustainable rice farming. With operations in the US, India, and Mercosur (Brazil and Uruguay), RiceTec has a strong international presence and a legacy of innovation, including the commercialization of hybrid rice seed in the Americas. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X.

Media contact
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
RiceTec
jbodine@ricetec.com

RiceTec, Inc. 
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com  

RiceTec announces leadership transition: Welcomes new CEO

ALVIN, TX (August 2025) – RiceTec today announced a key leadership transition. After three years of dedicated service, Karsten Neuffer has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. Neuffer led RiceTec through a successful transformation, strengthening its strategy, building a high-performing executive team, and laying the groundwork for sustained, profitable growth.

The Board expresses its gratitude for Neuffer’s leadership and vision, and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.

To lead RiceTec into its next chapter, the Board has appointed Brian Fife as Chief Executive Officer. Most recently, Fife served as CEO of Innovative Seed Solutions, a joint venture between Remington Seeds and Bayer Crop Science. During his tenure, he drove substantial growth, expanding sales and profitability, strengthening global market share, and building a culture of collaboration and trust across the organization.

“We are delighted to welcome Brian as our new CEO,” said Kay Kuenker, Chairperson of the Board. “His deep global and operational experience across seeds and traits, coupled with his servant leadership and down-to-earth approach, make him an ideal leader to guide our company’s next chapter of growth and innovation.

Prior to ISS, Fife held senior leadership roles at Corteva Agrisciences, DowDuPont, and Dow AgroSciences, where he led global strategy, transformation, finance, and commercial operations. His broad experience across international markets and his expertise in building high-performing, sustainable businesses position him well to lead RiceTec into its next phase of growth.

“RiceTec has a strong foundation and a bold ambition to become the world leader in hybrid rice,” said Fife. “I look forward to working with the Board, our teams, and our partners to advance innovation, deliver value for farmers, and expand our global impact.”

With Fife’s appointment, RiceTec enters an exciting new chapter, one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture. The company remains focused on delivering high-performing hybrid rice solutions that create more value for farmers, consumers, and the planet.

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About RiceTec

RiceTec leads innovation in sustainable rice agriculture, creating more value for farmers, consumers, and the planet. For over 30 years, RiceTec has advanced rice cultivation through cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to global food security. As the only seed company focused solely on rice, RiceTec is uniquely positioned to lead the transition towards more sustainable rice farming. With operations in the US, India, and Mercosur (Brazil and Uruguay), RiceTec has a strong international presence and a legacy of innovation, including the commercialization of hybrid rice seed in the Americas. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X.

RiceTec, Inc.
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com  

RiceTec Celebrates 25 Years of Hybrid Rice in the US

Alvin, TX (August 15, 2024) – Over 300 stakeholders gathered in Harrisburg, Arkansas on August 7, 2024, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of hybrid rice in the US. This milestone event highlighted the profound influence of hybrid rice on sustainable agriculture and the economy.

Since its founding, RiceTec has served as a driving force for sustainability and innovation in rice farming. The introduction of RiceTec’s hybrid rice in 2000 marked a pivotal shift in the industry, dramatically increasing yields and infusing billions into the economy. The event honored the collective efforts of the rice community—farmers, distributors, researchers, producers, and partners—acknowledging their joint efforts in advancing sustainable rice agriculture.

Dr. Brian Ottis, RiceTec’s Director of US Marketing and Product Management welcomed attendees to a festive event featuring food trucks, a beer wagon, and live music. He expressed gratitude for everyone’s role in this transformation. “Our 25th year milestone is a testament to our collective dedication to sustainable agriculture and innovation,” Ottis remarked. “We are deeply grateful to the farmers, researchers, scientists, and partners who have contributed to our success and propelled us forward.”

Van McNeely, Head of US Business, commended the 76 visionary farmers who planted the seeds of success by growing hybrid rice on 12,000 acres 25 years ago. Their foresight laid the groundwork for today’s thriving industry and widespread adoption of hybrid rice in the US.

Dr. Jarrod Hardke, University of Arkansas Professor and Rice Extension Agronomist, highlighted the significant impact of hybrid adoption on production systems, particularly row rice and alternate wetting and drying (AWD). “The flexibility provided by hybrids has been a game-changer for our production systems,” Dr. Hardke stated. He noted that approximately 20% of rice acres in Arkansas are now dedicated to row rice.

CEO Karsten Neuffer emphasized the essential role of the entire ecosystem in driving hybrid rice adoption. “Today, only China and the US have significant hybrid penetration,” he remarked. “Why is that? It requires two key elements: dedicated commitment from an organization to develop the technology, and more importantly, the support of the entire ecosystem to make it happen. That’s why we’re here today, to celebrate our collective achievement of 25 years of hybrid rice.”

Neuffer continued, “Hybrid rice has improved yields by 24% and generated billions of dollars for US farmers, mills, and research. It has also reduced methane emissions by 42%, saving over 18 million metric tons of CO2e. These achievements highlight the impact of hybrid rice adoption.”

As we reflect on a quarter-century of innovation and growth, RiceTec remains steadfast in our vision of delivering more value for farmers, consumers, and the planet. We are proud of the past achievements made together by RiceTec and the rice industry and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire ecosystem that has supported us and each other – our partners, the rice community, and every individual who has contributed to our journey. Together, we will continue to cultivate success and sustainability, ensuring that the US rice industry flourishes for generations to come.

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About RiceTec
Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter.

RiceTec, Inc.
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com

Scientific Advisory Board Drives Innovation and Sustainability in Agriculture

A new Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) was formed by the Liechtenstein Group, comprised of experts in sustainable agriculture and global R&D. The SAB will play a crucial role for Liechtenstein Group and especially for RiceTec, helping to advance their collective commitment to innovation and sustainability. The newly formed SAB brings together a diverse group of accomplished professionals, each with a wealth of knowledge, global experience, and passion for science that enhances sustainable agriculture.

SAB Board Members are:

David Fischhoff: David will chair the SAB. As a world pioneer in ag biotech, he spent most of his career at Monsanto, holding various global technology and business positions. David received the prestigious Innovation Prize for Agricultural Technology from the American Society of Plant Biologists and serves on several scientific advisory boards.

Richard Broglie: Richard is an experienced R&D leader with over 40 years of international experience across multiple crops. He spent more than 30 years in various scientific and strategic leadership roles at DuPont, including responsibility for establishing R&D activities in India, China, and Brazil. He recently served as Chief Technology Officer at Pivot Bio.

Robert Zeigler: Robert is a globally renowned scientist, spending most of his career in the public sector across all continents, but always focused on rice and sustainability. Among his many achievements is 10 years of service as the Director General and CEO of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). He is also a board member of the Sustainable Rice Platform.

The primary objective of the SAB is to offer strategic guidance on research direction, providing an independent perspective to shape and inform future endeavors. The board members will collaborate with R&D teams, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and knowledge. They will share insights on industry best practices and ensure that all entities of the Liechtenstein Group remain at the forefront of innovation and continue to lead in advancing sustainable agriculture.

By integrating the insights of these industry experts with our R&D teams, RiceTec and other Liechtenstein Group companies will remain at the forefront of innovation. This collaboration will accelerate the development of innovative solutions, further advance RiceTec’s vision of sustainable agriculture, and create more value for farmers, consumers, and the planet.

To learn more click here.

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About RiceTec
Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

RiceTec, Inc.
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com  

RiceTec and Mahyco Forge Groundbreaking Joint Venture to Transform Indian Agriculture

ALVIN, TX (April 2024) – Two industry-leading agricultural innovators, RiceTec and Mahyco, are proud to announce the formation of a joint venture aimed at transforming agricultural practices in India. The partnership, known as Paryan, brings together the cutting-edge technologies of both companies to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: reducing carbon emissions from agriculture.

The primary objective of Paryan is clear: to make innovative agricultural technologies accessible to stakeholders across India, thereby significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with rice and wheat farming. By introducing sustainable farming systems, covering approximately 70 million hectares, Paryan aims to enhance farmer profitability while safeguarding the environment. The joint venture is committed to stewarding these technologies effectively, ensuring their longevity and maximum impact.

Over the next five-six years, Paryan plans to cover at least one-third of the rice and wheat farming area with its technologies, facilitating the transition to direct seeded rice (DSR) and no till wheat. Through these efforts, the joint venture anticipates removing up to 50 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions annually, marking a significant milestone in the fight against climate change.

The formation of Paryan aligns seamlessly with the long-term objectives of both RiceTec and Mahyco. Both organizations share a common vision of enhancing farmer profitability through technological innovation while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture. By joining forces, RiceTec and Mahyco strengthen their commitment to sustainable agriculture and reinforce their positions as leaders in the field.

Paryan leverages the complementary technologies developed by RiceTec and Mahyco to address weed management in rice and wheat farming. By combining efforts, the joint venture can accelerate farmer education and stewardship initiatives, accelerating adoption of sustainable practices. Moreover, Paryan serves as a neutral licensing entity, offering equitable access to its technologies for all interested parties.

Through Paryan, RiceTec and Mahyco enhance their competitiveness by rapidly scaling up the adoption of their technologies. By providing access to multiple crop solutions, the joint venture can reach larger hectares more efficiently, thereby solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable agriculture.

Paryan’s initiatives extend beyond its immediate stakeholders to benefit farmers, suppliers, and other industry players. The joint venture will provide extensive farmer education on agronomy for its technologies, ensuring proper implementation and stewardship. Additionally, Paryan will collaborate with food companies to promote the procurement of low-carbon rice and wheat, empowering farmers to receive fair compensation for their efforts.

Paryan represents a bold step forward in the journey towards sustainable agriculture in India. By harnessing the collective expertise of RiceTec and Mahyco, the joint venture is poised to make a lasting impact on farmer livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

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About RiceTec
Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

About Mahyco
Mahyco Private Limited is focused on research and development, production, processing, and marketing of seeds for India’s farming fraternity. Founded in 1964, Mahyco is the pioneer of high-quality hybrid and open pollinated seeds. Through the use of cutting-edge technology and intensive research activities, Mahyco has transformed the agrarian face of the country. Despite its growth and expansion, the company remains unchanged at its core. It is still driven by a visionary zeal and the belief that it is possible to improve the lives of farmers by using science to develop superior quality agricultural products.

RiceTec, Inc.
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com

RiceTec and ADAMA Partner on Release of Full Page® Rice Cropping in India

ALVIN, TX, HYDERABAD, INDIA (May 2024) – RiceTec, dedicated to leading innovation for sustainable rice agriculture, and its Indian affiliate Savannah Seeds is proud to introduce the FullPage® Rice Cropping Solution to the Indian market in collaboration with ADAMA, a leading global crop protection company. Specifically designed for direct-seeded rice (DSR), FullPage brings together SmartRice® genetics, Squad® seed treatment, the FullPage unique IMI herbicide tolerance trait, and ADAMA’s Vezir herbicide. As a comprehensive rice cropping system, FullPage is poised to reshape rice cultivation in India.

Engineered specifically for DSR, FullPage integrates SmartRice hybrid rice genetics especially developed for direct-seeded rice to optimize crop performance. Squad seed treatment improves germination, protects from pests and diseases, and enhances overall performance. Tackling one of the greatest challenges in rice farming, the FullPage cropping solution features ADAMA’s Vezir herbicide, specifically designed to control stubborn weeds like weedy rice, grasses and sedges. Traditional DSR practices often struggle with weed management and inconsistent germination, leading to lower yields. FullPage’s advanced herbicide tolerance technology effectively combats these issues, delivering a comprehensive weed control to enable success of DSR practice while protecting yields.

“We’re thrilled to partner with RiceTec in introducing the FullPage® Rice Cropping Solution to India. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions for rice farmers, tailored to their needs,” said Sahin Ozkan, General Manager of ADAMA India. “FullPage not only tackles weed management challenges but also promotes sustainability, aligning with the most advanced agricultural practices in the world. With its advanced technology and benefits like reduced groundwater usage and increased yields, FullPage offers a new approach to rice cultivation. We’re dedicated to supporting the adoption of FullPage among Indian farmers.”

The launch of FullPage in India marks an exciting opportunity to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the country. Leading the charge are two pioneering FullPage rice hybrids from Savannah: Sava 134 and Sava 127, tailored to excel in key regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, catering to early to medium maturity segments.

“As leaders in rice seed technology, we’re committed to innovative solutions that benefit farmers, consumers, and our planet,” affirmed Ajai Rana, RiceTec’s Asia Pacific Business Head. “Having witnessed the remarkable success of FullPage across the Americas, we’re thrilled to extend its advantages to India, reducing costs and enhancing sustainability in the world’s second largest rice-producing nation.”

FullPage is a total-package rice cropping system that is fully supported by a team of technical service representatives to make a positive impact on today’s farmers. These experts are readily available to assist growers in adjusting to this new cropping solution and advising on best practices for use of Vezir for each farm. Highlighting our dedication, over the three years, the Savannah team has conducted nearly 500 demonstrations, reaching more than 17,000 farmers through field visits and demonstrations. Farmers quickly recognized the benefits of the FullPage system, favoring direct seeding over transplanting. This transformative solution addresses challenges such as water scarcity, labor-intensive practices, weed management and greenhouse gases emission, paving the way for a significant shift to sustainable farming practices.

“With FullPage, we’re not just introducing a product; we’re transforming an entire industry,” Rana, continued. “Through dedicated efforts and extensive farmer collaboration, we’re bringing cutting-edge technology to address critical agricultural challenges in India, from water management to weed control. FullPage holds the promise of enhancing livelihoods and ensuring a sustainable future for farmers and the environment. This launch marks a significant step towards our vision of fostering sustainable rice agriculture that delivers lasting value for farmers, consumers, and the planet.”

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About RiceTec
Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

To learn more about Savannah Seeds, visit www.savannahseeds.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, X/Twitter, Google Plus or WhatsApp 0 95997 67127.

About ADAMA
ADAMA Ltd. is a global leader in crop protection, providing solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects, and disease. ADAMA has one of the widest and most diverse portfolios of active ingredients in the world, as well as state-of-the-art R&D, manufacturing, and formulation facilities. With a culture that empowers our people to listen to farmers and ideate from the field, ADAMA is uniquely positioned to offer a vast array of distinctive mixtures, formulations, and high-quality differentiated products, delivering solutions that meet local farmer and customer needs in over 100 countries globally. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and X®.

RiceTec, Inc.
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com

Celebrating an Era of Innovation While Looking to the Future: RiceTec Announces the Retirement of Dr. José Ré and Appoints Dr. Amitabh Mohanty as New Head of Global R&D

Ré’s influence extends well beyond RiceTec. He has also served on the Boards of the International Seed Federation and the American Seed Trade Association, which are the voice of the global and US seed industry with a mission to create the best environment for the global movement of healthy, quality seed, and promote plant breeding and innovation in seeds. His tenure on various committees, including more than eight years on the Illegal Seed Practices Coordination Group and nearly 11 years on the Intellectual Property Coordination Group, has been instrumental in lending a voice to the more than 7,000 members in 70 countries. In 2015 Jose was appointed by the US Agriculture Secretary to the US Plant Variety Protection Board, where he served representing the seed industry sector.

Reflecting on Ré’s tenure, CEO Karsten Neuffer remarked, “José’s 19-year tenure at RiceTec has been characterized by extraordinary leadership and visionary foresight, consistently steering us towards groundbreaking achievements in sustainable rice agriculture. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Before joining RiceTec, Dr. Mohanty served at Corteva Agriscience as Leader of Global Biotech Operations, Trait Discovery Operations Leader, and Program Leader, Ag Productivity, and Insect Control Traits. His contributions there were key to the success of their trait pipeline. Dr. Mohanty brings rich experience and expertise in trait discovery, technology, and product development in rice. [KN1] His domain knowledge is well recognized by external peers. He was invited to serve as a member of the Genome engineering Task Force of the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.

Dr. Mohanty holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Department of Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Delhi South Campus, India, and did his post-doctoral studies at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York. He is a contributor to scientific literature with numerous journal articles and patents to his name, as well as a rich history of participation in scientific conferences and symposiums.

Dr. Mohanty’s expertise promises to continue our legacy of innovation in sustainable rice agriculture. We look forward to this new era of growth and discovery, firmly committed to our mission for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet.

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About RiceTec
Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

RiceTec, Inc.
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com

Agricultural Expert Kay Kuenker Appointed to RiceTec Board of Directors

ALVIN, TX (January 2024) – RiceTec announced the appointment of Kay Kuenker, Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Agrilytics, LLC., to its Board of Directors. In addition to her role with RiceTec, Kuenker will also serve on the Board of the Liechtenstein Group, the parent company of RiceTec. As a member of the board, Kuenker will provide valuable insight and support as RiceTec furthers its mission to lead innovation for sustainable rice agriculture.

“We are delighted to welcome Kay to our board,” said Karsten Neuffer, CEO of RiceTec. “Her extensive background in agriculture and her insights into the technological requirements and sustainable solutions sought by farmers will be invaluable assets to RiceTec. Her guidance will prove invaluable to both our company and our customers.”

Kuenker has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Agrilytics, LLC, an agronomic technology company based in Indiana, USA, since March 2020. Based on its proprietary technologies, the company provides farmers with recommendations for inputs and operational advice.

From October 2016 to March 2019, Kuenker served as Executive Vice President at Cibus, LLC, a biotechnology company focused on gene editing in agriculture, responsible for strategy development. Prior to that, she spent nearly 30 years at Dow AgroSciences (DAS) (now part of Corteva), including nine years on the Corporate Management Team, from 2007 to 2015 in various leadership positions in different business units and most recently served as Global Vice President of DAS Government, Public and Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability.

Kuenker is also a member of the Advisory Board for Women in Agribusiness and AgriNovus Indiana and has served on several boards, including AgroFresh Solutions, LLC, National FFA, Food & Ag Governing Body of BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization), CropLife Canada, and the European Crop Protection Association.

She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University.

“We are very pleased to welcome Kay to our Board of Directors. Her impressive career makes her an invaluable addition to our team. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry will be of great value to both the Liechtenstein Group and RiceTec,” says Johannes Meran, CEO of the Liechtenstein Group.

“I am honored to be part of the Board of Directors of the Liechtenstein Group Holding AG. This role offers me a unique opportunity to contribute my knowledge and experience to drive the development of innovative and sustainable solutions in the agricultural industry. I look forward to working with the team of the Liechtenstein Group and RiceTec to make a positive contribution,” says Kuenker about her appointment.

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About RiceTec
Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

RiceTec, Inc.
Julie Bodine
Director, Global Corporate Communications
+1.832.316.8859
jbodine@ricetec.com

RiceTec Hires Chakra Sankaraiah as Global Chief Technology Officer

ALVIN, TX (September, 2023) — RiceTec, a global leader in sustainable rice agriculture, announced today the appointment of Chakra Sankaraiah as its new Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With over 21 years of experience in data and digital technologies, Sankaraiah brings expertise to RiceTec’s leadership team.

As Global CTO, Sankaraiah will be at the forefront of RiceTec’s digital transformation. He will spearhead efforts to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as predictive analytics, farm operations automation, and cloud services to enhance decision-making processes at RiceTec and to support rice farmers.

“I am thrilled to have Chakra on board,” said RiceTec CEO Karsten Neuffer. “His experience in digital technologies and agriculture will be a great addition to RiceTec’s leadership team. I look forward to working with him and bringing digital innovation to RiceTec and rice farmers worldwide to help drive the transformation towards a more sustainable rice agriculture.”

Sankaraiah’s extensive background in data and digital technologies spans Fortune 500 companies and unicorn startups. He has a wealth of experience in the ag-tech space, having led engineering and architecture for digital products at Land O’ Lakes and experience working in large-scale cloud-based data management products at Cloudera, a unicorn startup. Sankaraiah has also worked with global teams at Target, IBM, and Capgemini, building data platforms and artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions.

“I am incredibly excited to join RiceTec, a company committed to sustainable rice agriculture,” said Sankaraiah. “I envision an immense opportunity to employ data and machine learning techniques to unlock greater value for farmers and the planet. I am eager to work with this talented team to help scale RiceTec’s efforts globally, using intuitive digital experiences to benefit farmers.”

Chakra holds an MBA in Technology and Strategy from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business, and an Electrical Engineering degree from the National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur. Additionally, he serves as a faculty member for the Center for Applied AI and is a strategic advisory member for a graduate program in software at the University of St. Thomas.

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About RiceTec
Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.

RiceTec Launches of Max-Ace® Climate-friendly Rice Cropping System

ALVIN, TX (May 2021) — RiceTec, a leader in sustainable rice agriculture, has launched the Max-Ace® rice cropping solution in collaboration with ADAMA, a global crop protection company. This innovative solution represents a new generation of climate-friendly rice seed, designed to enhance yield and provide rice growers with an effective tool for weed control.

The Max-Ace rice cropping solution includes SmartRice genetics, Squad seed treatment, the unique ACCace climate-friendly trait, and ADAMA’s herbicides. It provides farmers with excellent grass weed control with Highcard herbicide in rice.

RiceTec is committed to supporting growers by providing this advanced seed. Max-Ace will also serve as an additional herbicide rotation partner, helping to manage weed resistance in herbicide-tolerant rice solutions.

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About RiceTec

Headquartered in Alvin, Texas, RiceTec has been a pioneer in sustainable rice agriculture since 1988. With an innovative spirit, we introduced the first commercial hybrid rice seed in 1999 in the US, leveraging advanced breeding techniques and a diverse germplasm collection. As the first to commercialize hybrid rice seed in both North and South America, our innovations continue to shape the industry, evident in advancements like our FullPage® and Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solutions. With a decade-long operations in India and reach into Europe and Southeast Asia, RiceTec continues to transform rice production for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet. To learn more about RiceTec’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ricetec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.