Why Grow Rice in California?

California rice supports ecosystems, local economies, and all the flavors we can’t (and won’t) live without.

Rice is Essential and Uniquely Connected to California’s Ecosystem and Economy

Ricelands provide more than 300,000 acres of surrogate wetlands

Every acre of planted rice in the Sacramento Valley does more than produce a staple crop. It transforms into a thriving habitat that sustains California's diverse ecosystems — from the endangered Giant Garter Snake to the Greater Sandhill Crane.

$2.8 billion

In habitat value

230 species

Sustained year-round in rice fields

7 million

Migrating geese and ducks find their winter homes in rice fields

We should all be concerned about sustainable agriculture and wildlife habitat – because that’s an indication of a healthy ecosystem, which benefits all of us.
Virginia Getz
Director of Conservation Programs, Ducks Unlimited Western Region

Getting California-grown rice from the field to your table takes a community

Much like the Napa Valley is to wine, the Sacramento Valley is to rice. Nearly all of California’s rice crop is grown within 100 miles of the State Capitol. California rice supports thousands of year-round jobs across farming, milling, trucking, and more. It strengthens local economies and ensures that one of the world’s most essential food staples is grown in harmony with nature, right here in the heart of the state.

25,000

Rice-related jobs

$5 billion

to California's Economy

8+

Counties across the Sacramento Valley

Rice became a fit in the Sacramento Valley because the pioneers, like my ancestors, could not get anything else to grow. Today it’s the best fit. And it’s the climate, the heat, and most of all, water supply. And that’s a great combination to make rice survive out here.
Charley Mathews
5th-Generation Rice Farmer, Yuba County

From Sacramento Valley to your California Roll

Rice is a kitchen essential for families and the heart of California cuisine. Without rice, we don't have musubi, risotto, or the thriving ecosystems that rice farms provide.

There are very few other things on earth that can do what rice does.
Christopher Barnum-Dann
Restaurateur and Executive Chef