P.M. BRIEFING : Rice Co-op to Cut Jobs, Expenses

The Rice Growers Assn. said today it will cut 61 jobs as part of a major restructuring of its operations designed to save the co-op $2 million in the current crop year and improve returns by up to $4 million for the 1990 crop.

The plan also calls for the cooperative to close its two landmark mills in West Sacramento and exercise options to either expand operations of its mills at Woodland and Biggs or utilize excess processing capabilities available in the California rice industry.

RGA President and Chief Executive Officer David Long said 40 union workers and 21 administrators will lose their jobs under the change in operations.