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.
Industry Facts
- 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.
