COMPARISONRice requires less water than many other crops: |
 Almonds80 Gallons Per Serving |
 Cantaloupe40 Gallons Per Serving |
 Rice25 Gallons Per Serving |
What is one of the most water-wise crops? In an arid state with growing pressures on water availability and use, the answer to that question is both significant and surprising. The answer is rice.
Contrary to a common misconception, rice farmers are among the best stewards of this valuable resource. Only 25 gallons of water are need to produce one serving of rice. That's about the same as oranges.
True, rice was once a thirstier crop, but a series of innovations over the last three decades has reduced its water use by nearly 40 percent. In addition, the industry has introduced short stature varieties that produce high yields on plants that are half as tall. The advantage is much lower water use.
While conserving water is undoubtedly a priority, preserving the quality of water is perhaps even more important. Every day, California's growing urban populations and increased industrial uses exert tremendous pressure on the state's water quality.
For 20 years, the California rice industry has been a pioneer in enhancing the quality of water as it moves from our farms to cities downstream. Our industry was among the first in agriculture to monitor pesticides and implement programs to reduce them in rivers. Today, we continue our commitment by expanding current programs and introducing new practices to ensure that the water we return to the river is of the highest quality possible.
