Rice Facts | Think Rice (Canada)

Fun Facts

Rice is the most popular grain globally and the primary dietary staple for more than half the world’s population.
Every year, rice is the principal cereal and significant calorie source for nearly two-thirds of the world’s population. Worldwide, rice supplies mankind with 20% of its total energy and 13% of its required protein.
Rice is a very inexpensive ingredient that provides generous plate coverage and allows you to reduce the amount of expensive ingredients (e.g. specialty produce and proteins) while increasing portion size.
U.S.-grown rice is naturally gluten-free and the least allergenic of all grains.
All U.S.-grown rice is sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and GMO-free.
A serving of U.S.-grown rice delivers over 15 vitamins and minerals.
National Rice Month (September) was officially designated by a presidential proclamation in 1991.

U.S.-grown rice accounts for nearly 70% of the rice available in Canada.
The U.S. rice industry produces over 9 billion kilograms of rice annually.
The U.S. is the fifth-largest rice exporter in the world and the biggest rice exporter outside of Asia.
Each year the U.S. rice industry distributes over 18 million kilograms of rice to combat food insecurity.
The U.S. is unique in its ability to produce all types of rice, including aromatics.
American rice farmers and farms serve double duty! Not only are they producing rice, but their winter rice fields also provide important habitat for migratory waterfowl and other species.