The Thai Rice Exporters Association is very concerned about a new strain of rice, developed at LSU in Louisiana, that is similar in shape and taste to Thai Jasmine grains. The name of the new product? Jazzman rice. Based on the name alone, I'd say that farmers in the Northeast don't have all that much to worry about yet (I am trying to imagine the branding... how does one combine the idea of Jazz musicians with a long grain, oriental rice?)
Uncle Ben's, a rice company that has traded on some pretty ugly stereotypes for a long time now, might have something to worry about.