Each of Us, for All of Us
Since 1944, Farmers’ Rice Cooperative (FRC) has led the California rice industry as a grower-owned model—built on shared values, long-term vision, and an unwavering commitment to delivering premium rice to the world.
Built on Shared Purpose
At the heart of a co-op is the belief that success is arrived at through a common purpose. FRC is farmer-owned and operated, representing over 500 grower-members and controlling over 20% of California’s rice crop. Our co-op model ensures decisions are made for long-term impact, not short-term gain.
For over 80 harvests, we’ve stood by our commitment to sustainable agriculture, supply chain transparency, and food safety excellence. That commitment has earned us the trust of global partners and made FRC a reliable source for premium rice.
Superior Grains Grow in California
Our rice is exclusively grown in the Sacramento Valley, a region known for its fertile soil, clean water, and ideal growing conditions. From our golden fields, we provide high-quality rice domestically and internationally for our partners across retail, foodservice, and manufacturing industries.
Leading the Way at FRC
Rick Rhody
President & CEO
As President and CEO, Rick Rhody leads FRC with decades of experience across field operations, finance, and executive leadership in California’s rice industry. He previously helped build Sun Valley Rice from the ground up and now serves as Chairman of the Rice Millers’ Association, having formerly served as Chairman of the California Rice Commission, along with roles at USA Rice and the Sutter Yuba Foundation. A graduate of Chico State and Saint Mary’s College, Rick is a passionate advocate for California agriculture.
Bill Tanimoto
CFO & COO
As CFO and COO, Bill Tanimoto oversees financial and operational excellence at FRC. Joining FRC in 2011, Bill has been pivotal in optimizing efficiency, improving milling yields and reducing waste. With prior experience at Diamond Foods and Deloitte, Bill brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UC Sacramento and was named CFO of the Year by the Sacramento Business Journal in 2020.
Steven Michel
VP, Marketing
Brice Lauppe
VP, Field Services
Adam McCalister
Asst. VP, Marketing
Derek Alarcon
Director of Sales & Marketing
Laura Klotz
Asst. VP, Controller
Derek Thibault
Plant Manager
Innovation in Action
Through our innovation arm, Exceedient Foods, we’re exploring new uses of rice—from gluten-free flours to value-added snacks—pushing the potential of rice as a versatile, allergen-friendly ingredient across growing categories.
