FLORIDA RICE GROWERS INC.
WHAT WE DO
Florida Rice Growers Inc. was organized by Florida rice farmers with a common goal of improving rice production through sustainable farming practices, collaborative research, and ongoing farm conservation efforts.
We accomplish these goals through education efforts, university research and in-practice study. The Florida Rice Growers Inc. is dedicated to promoting rice research that is environmentally sustainable and serves the needs of our farmers.
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Production research in support of rice production in Florida
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Improve agronomic and management practices in rice
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Environmental stewardship that ensures farming for our future generations
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Improve yields and profitability for Florida farmers
FLORIDA RICE PRODUCTION
THE HISTORY
Florida rice production is primarily in the 445,000-acre region south of Lake Okeechobee known as the Everglades Agricultural Area.This region is highly productive and primarily devoted to sugarcane and vegetable production.Rice has been grown for more than 70 years as a rotational crop and is an important component in sustainable farming practices.
The flooding of the soils during the summer rice crop benefits both the subsequent sugarcane and vegetable crops while improving the agroecosystem. Improved soil tilth, reduced insect pest pressure, and nutrient cycling contributes to increased sugarcane yields make rice a ideal rotational crop in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
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Rice production in Florida dates to the early 1950s
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Approximately 23,000 acres planted annually
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Flooded rice fields improve water quality by capturing nutrients on the farm
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Reduced insect pressure in subsequent sugarcane and vegetable crops