Within domestic and international agricultural markets, the Californiarice industry occupies a special niche. California rice is famous for its high quality and high yields, but the industry is facing a variety of challenges that threaten to undermine its competitiveness. A recent study by the UC Davis-based Agricultural Issues Center explores the strengths and weaknesses of California rice production and reports its findings in "Maintaining the Competitive Edge in California's Rice Industry." The publication is the second in a series of special reports on the competitiveness of several California agricultural industries. Among the report findings were predictions that domestic consumption will continue its upward trend, that the California rice industry would benefit immensely from more liberal international trade policies, and that air and water issues may cause an increase in costs and decrease in production.