According to archeological evidence, rice has been feeding two-thirds of the world's population for more than 5,000 years. The first recorded decree on rice planting was made in China in 2800 B.C.

From China, rice migrated west to Greece then on through Persia to the Nile Delta, eventually making its way into the United States just over 300 years ago.

Early reports state that a significant harvest was taking place in 1690 in the Carolinas. By 1726 "Carolina Golde Seede Rice" became the world standard for quality rice. Over time, farmers discovered ideal growing regions in Southwest Louisiana, Southeast Texas and later in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Florida and California.

Today, approximately 71 percent of rice consumed in Canada comes from the U.S. As well as being a versatile accompaniment to any meal, rice has matured into the main course with the popularity of such international dishes as Paella, Jambalaya, Sushi and Risotto.

INTERESTING FACTS AND FIGURES

• The U.S. is one of the largest exporters of rice, supplying about seven per cent of the rice that enters world trade. Approximately 45 per cent of the U.S. rice crop is exported to more than 100 countries.
• There are approximately 30 mills in the U.S.
• Canada produces no rice of its own. Canadian wild rice is not a true rice, but the seed of an aquatic grass.
• Approximately 71 per cent of rice consumed in Canada is grown in the U.S.
• The U.S. produces over 40 commercial varieties of rice each year in paddy, brown, white, parboiled and precooked forms.
• There are thousands of rice varieties. At the International Rice Research Institute Genetic Resources Centre in the Philippines, there are 80,000 rice samples in cold storage.
• Rice is grown on every continent except Antarctica.
• One seed of rice yields more than 3,000 grains. It is the highest yielding cereal grain and can grow in many kinds of environment and soils.