For those of us in the agriculture community, two numbers are very familiar. One is 2050, and 9 billion is the other. By the year 2050, we know that the human population will reach at least 9 billion, but probably closer to 10. And beyond all of the other concerns about such a large population is how we will feed that many people.
I believe that hearty, wholesome grains like Arkansas rice will be a part of the answer to that important question. Rice is nutrient dense, containing over 15 vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, B-vitamins, iron, and zinc. It is easily stored, transported, and an incredibly versatile kitchen staple for families around the planet.
And in an age of concern over healthy, affordable foods, rice supplies an answer that other grains can’t match. A half-cup cooked serving of rice costs less than 10 cents, and provides complex carbohydrates that fuel the human body.
But here in the United States Congress, one of the problems I run into is that people don’t know that we grow rice in the United States. But I do what I can to spread the word about American rice production, including sending other Members rice crispy treats on their birthdays.
If we’re going to use rice as a tool for solving the world’s need for cheap affordable foods, we’ve got to keep telling the story about American rice. I can’t think of any other food more important for feeding the world.
