Growing Rice Responsibly

At Farmers’ Rice Cooperative, sustainability isn’t an afterthought; we are dedicated to protecting California’s natural resources while ensuring our grower-owners can sustainably farm for generations.

Water Conservation

In the Sacramento Valley, water is precious, and we take that seriously. Decades of environmental programs have put FRC at the forefront of water management, including monitoring and recycling 40% of our discharge water to benefit downstream ecosystems.

Wildlife Habitat Protection

California rice fields double as seasonal wetlands that support over 230 species of wildlife, including migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. We also assist in the production of over 140,000 lbs of food for endangered fish, such as Chinook salmon, keeping them strong and able to complete their journey to the ocean.

Sustainable Farming Practices

Instead of burning our rice straw post-harvest, we flood about 60% of our fields each winter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting biodiversity—a practice that has significantly increased wildlife populations since its introduction in the 1990s.

Environmental Stewardship

Using 20% less water, today’s growers produce almost 25% more rice compared to 30 years ago, showcasing our dedication to resource efficiency and innovation.