[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 140 (Monday, September 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF NATIONAL RICE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 28, 2015

  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with America's rice 
farmers in celebrating the month of September as National Rice Month.
  It has been 25 years since September was first declared National Rice 
Month.
  On this silver anniversary, I want to pay a special tribute to the 
hard working men and women who produce rice on their family farms.
  I would also like to recognize all of those who mill and market rice, 
all of the suppliers and buyers, and, of course, all of the consumers 
who make rice an essential part of their diet.
  Rice farming in America actually predates our nation's independence, 
beginning some 300 years ago.
  Today, America's rice industry creates 125,000 good-paying jobs and 
contributes an estimated $34 billion to our nation's economy, including 
an estimated direct impact of $169.8 million in my home state of Texas.
  Nine million tons of rice are grown each year by family farmers on 
some 2.7 million acres of land, predominately in the states of 
Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. 
While these six states produce the lion's share of rice in America, 
there is also rice production in other states, like Illinois and 
Tennessee, and the entire rice industry reaches every state in the 
nation, especially those states with cereal makers, breweries, and 
other food-makers that use rice as a key ingredient.
  On top of this, about half of America's rice crop is bound for export 
markets, helping to feed people around the globe while positively 
contributing to our nation's balance of trade.
  Although the figures I just listed are as impressive as they are 
important, the benefits of rice are not limited to jobs and the 
economy.
  Health-wise, rice is a source of more than 15 vitamins and minerals 
and 100% gluten-free, with only 100 calories per serving. Brown rice is 
100% whole grain and may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain 
cancers.
  What is more, studies suggest that those who eat rice have healthier 
diets than those who do not.
  On the conservation front, America's rice farmers have a longstanding 
commitment to protect and preserve natural resources. Today, U.S. rice 
farmers produce more rice using less land, energy, and water than they 
did just 20 years ago. Our rice farms provide critical habitat for 
hundreds of species, particularly migratory birds.
  America's rice farmers continue to serve as leaders in the farming 
community by producing a healthy, conservation-friendly food that, as a 
byproduct, generates jobs and economic opportunity.
  It is fitting that we honor the hard working American farmers, 
millers, merchants, suppliers and buyers, and the consumers who make 
rice not only such a wholesome and popular food but an important part 
of our economy.
  I ask that my colleagues join with me in celebrating September as 
National Rice Month.

                          ____________________