The value of this crop is important to our Nation's economy. Rice is an important agricultural commodity not only in terms of its economic value but also in terms of its nutritional value. An excellent source of complex carbohydrates, rice can be a healthy part of a well-balanced diet. Consumers can enjoy various types of rice, from brown rice to the more traditional white rice, which is utilized in gourmet recipes as it is in simple meals. Wild rice, a native grain of North America, is being increasingly enjoyed by American consumers.
Rice is also an important component in the domestic brewing of beer.