37-Year-Old CEO of Family Rice Business Urges Trump: Double Down on Tariffs

37-Year-Old CEO of Family Rice Business In a dramatic White House moment that captured national attention, 37-year-old Meryl Kennedy, CEO of her family’s Louisiana-based Kennedy Rice Mill and founder of 4 Sisters Rice, sat beside President Donald Trump and delivered a blunt message: existing tariffs are helping American rice farmers, but the administration needs to “double down” to combat unfair foreign competition.

The exchange occurred during a December 8, 2025, Cabinet Room roundtable where Trump announced a $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program to support row-crop farmers struggling with low prices and high costs. Kennedy, invited after co-authoring a letter from Louisiana farmers calling for stronger trade protections, didn’t hold back. She highlighted how countries like India, Thailand, and China are subsidizing their rice production heavily, leading to overproduction and “dumping” cheap rice into the U.S. market often at prices below production costs.

“The tariffs are working, but we need to double down because they’re cheating. They’re subsidizing,” Kennedy told the President. Trump, visibly engaged, responded with surprise: “You want more?” He then directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to note the offending countries, promising, “This could be solved so quickly with tariffs.”

This bold advocacy from a young female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry underscores the desperation facing U.S. rice producers and the growing political influence of the sector in Trump’s trade agenda.

Meet Meryl Kennedy 37-Year-Old CEO of Family: The Next Generation Leading a Family Legacy

At just 37, Meryl Kennedy represents a new era in American agriculture. As the youngest of four sisters, she grew up in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, immersed in the family rice operation started by her father in the late 1960s. Second-generation in milling, Kennedy helped launch the family’s rice mill in 2012 and has since steered it into a major player, partnering with about 60 farm families across Louisiana and Arkansas.

In 2020, Kennedy and her sisters Patchez, Felicity, and Chantel launched 4Sisters Rice, a premium branded line that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and family values. The brand has exploded in popularity, now available in thousands of stores nationwide, including major retailers like Walmart and Kroger. Kennedy’s innovative approach has driven significant growth, blending traditional farming with modern marketing and direct consumer engagement.

But beneath the success lies deep concern for the industry’s future. Kennedy frequently speaks of the “backbone” of her business: the farmers. “If we don’t have farmers, we have no product,” she emphasizes. Her White House appearance stemmed from firsthand accounts of producers on the brink, some in tears over prices that fail to cover skyrocketing input costs like fertilizer and fuel.

The Crisis Facing America’s Rice Farmers

The U.S. rice industry, concentrated in states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and California, is in turmoil. Projected losses for 2025 hover around $364 per acre the second-highest among major crops while production costs exceed $1,330 per acre in some forecasts. Over the past decade, imported rice has doubled its share of the domestic market, now claiming over a third of shelf space.

Kennedy points to unfair practices abroad: massive government subsidies in countries like India (with tariffs up to 80% on U.S. rice) and Thailand (50%) allow them to flood global markets with cheap product. Even Puerto Rico, once a key U.S. rice market, has seen American shipments plummet due to subsidized imports and logistical hurdles like the Jones Act.

Trump’s broader tariff regime including 50% duties on many Indian exports since August 2025 has provided some relief, but gaps remain. Rice farmers argue for comprehensive protections to prevent “whack-a-mole” transshipments and ensure fair trade, not just free trade.

Trump’s Response and the Path Forward

Trump’s reaction was immediate and supportive. Questioning why countries like India seem exempt from full consequences (“Do they have an exemption on rice?”), he vowed to address the issue swiftly. This aligns with his administration’s aggressive trade stance, using tariffs as leverage to protect domestic industries.

The $12 billion aid package, including an estimated $425 million for rice through higher per-acre payments, offers temporary relief until enhanced farm bill programs kick in next year. Yet industry leaders like Kennedy stress that bailouts aren’t sustainable. Long-term solutions include stronger anti-dumping enforcement, R&D investments in U.S. varieties, and reciprocal market access abroad.

Kennedy’s advocacy has amplified the rice sector’s voice in Washington. As former chair of the USA Rice Millers’ Association, she’s positioned the industry for influence, warning that without action, family farms and rural communities face extinction. Suicide rates among farmers remain alarmingly high, a stark reminder of the human cost.

Why This Matters for American Agriculture and Trade

Kennedy’s story is more than one CEO’s plea; it’s a microcosm of Trump’s “America First” trade policy in action. While critics warn of higher consumer prices and retaliatory measures, supporters like Kennedy argue tariffs level the playing field, preserving jobs and food security.

As negotiations continue with trading partners, the rice industry’s push for doubled-down protections could set precedents for other crops. For now, Meryl Kennedy’s courageous stand has put a young, determined face on the fight to save American rice farming one that President Trump appears ready to champion.

In an industry built on resilience, leaders like Kennedy prove that the next generation is ready to fight for its survival. Whether through tariffs or trade reforms, the goal remains clear: ensure U.S. farmers can compete fairly and feed the nation for decades to come.

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