- U.S. produces about 20 billion pounds of rice each year.
- Abut half that is exported to more 100 countries.
- Industry annually generates $34 billion in economic activity.
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The USA Rice Federation today released a nearly seven-minute video promoting the U.S. rice-producing industry from field to mill to market to table.
USA Rice Federation’s Production Video 2012 is an excellent resource for people unfamiliar with farming, especially rice farming in the six major production states in the U.S.
Featured in the video are representatives of three Mid-South families who have grown rice over the past 100 years: Kevin Berken of Lake Arthur, La.; Jennifer James of Newport, Ark.; and Joe Rennicke of Weiner, Ark.
“It’s in our blood; it’s in our family,” says Berken, a fourth generation farmer. “We’ve been doing this for almost 100 years… I love what it’s all about.”
The video, sponsored by John Deere, also highlights two recent USA Rice Federation studies that measure the economic benefits ($34 billion in annual economic activity; over 128,000 jobs) and environmental achievements of producers over the past 20 years (21 percent decrease in land use; 33 percent reduction in water use; and a 52 percent reduction in energy use).
And finally, nutritionist Tavis Piattoly touts the benefits of rice as a good energy source that is low in fat and cholesterol, making it an excellent part of a heart-healthy diet.
Watch the video in its entirety below:
