Rice Straw Paper a Success California Newspapers to Test Product

For Immediate Release (C-39-96)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
October 29, 1996

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-9670
FAX (916) 445-5563

SACRAMENTO The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) announced today that a project to turn Sacramento Valley rice straw into paper is a success.  Some California newspapers will be testing the product in future editions to determine its suitablility to replace present newsprint stock.

"The success of this project is testament to Governor Wilson's belief that economic and environmental goals can advance together in finding alternatives to rice straw burning," said Undersecretary for Environmental Protection, Peter M. Rooney.

"We are hopeful that making newsprint out of rice straw can be a viable alternative to burning rice fields. With the rising cost of newsprint and the environmental consequences of agricultural burning, this should be both an economic and public health success," Rooney added.

Seven newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, Orange County Register, Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, Santa Barbara News Press and the Paradise Post will feature a rice straw paper edition or insert in the near future.   As newsprint and paper prices in general have escalated, rice straw as an alternative pulp source could be a boon to the printing industry, while relieving farmers of an agricultural waste product and allowing for an alternative to open burning.   The project has been supported by Air Resources Board (ARB) and several state and local groups with an interest in finding an economically viable alternative to open burning of rice fields.

Last spring, approximately 28 tons of rice straw were delivered to Vulcan, Alberta, Canada and were processed by Canadian Flaw Pulp, Ltd. Of Vancouver, Canada, who has had success with making wheat straw paper.  The pulp was then delivered to Smurfit Newsprint Corp. in Oregon City, Oregon and made into paper.

"This project is an important step in finding new and innovative ways to use rice straw.  This is exactly the type of opportunity we have been seeking to reduce open burning without creating an economic obstacle to rice farmers," said Chairman of the Air Resources Board, John Dunlap.

Rice straw burning is a contentious issue in the Sacramento Valley. The ARB in partnership with the American Lung Association, Sacramento Valley rice growers and other concerned groups have been searching for alternatives to rice burning that can both protect public health and prevent financial loses to rice growers.

The project, facilitated by ARB, has been supported by the Rice Farmers Formation Group, American Lung Association, Family Water Alliance, Colusa County Farm Bureau, Colusa County Board of Supervisors, Glenn County Farm Bureau, Wilderness Unlimited, Sacramento Valley Air Basin Control Council, Economic Development Corp., Valley Truck and Tractor, Allis Auto Parts, W.A. Baggett and Larry Middleton.

1996 Releases | Current Releases | Archived Press Releases