A joint resolution to designate September of 1991 as "National Rice Month".
PL 101-492 (S.J.Res.353), enacted 10/31/1990

104 STAT. 1182 
PUBLIC LAW 101-492—OCT. 31, 1990 
Public Law 101-492 
101st Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Oct. 31, 1990 
[S.J. Res. 353] 
To desi^ate September of 1991 as "National Rice Month". 
Whereas rice is the staple grain for two-thirds of the population of 
the World, and the significance of rice cannot be overemphasized; 
Whereas 8 out of 10 people in the World depend on rice for 40 
percent of their energy needs; 
Whereas rice is the fifth most valuable food crop in this Nation, as 
rice represents a two-billion dollar cash crop, and is vital to the 
economic stability of rice farmers and millers in Arkansas, 
California, Louisiana, TexEis, Mississippi, Missouri, and Florida; 
Whereas intense research and development in rice technology has 
resulted in approximately 12 percent of the rice production in the 
World being carried out on only 2 percent of the available acreage 
for such production by rice farmers in this Nation, making such 
rice one of the most land-efficient and cost-efficient crops grown; 
Whereas the United States is one of the largest exporters of rice, as 
this Nation exports rice to over 120 countries and supplies about 
20 percent of the rice for world trade; 
Whereas wild rice, the only cereal grain to be domesticated from a 
wild crop in the United States, is a growing segment of the rice 
industry and is important to the communities where it is grown; 
Whereas wild rice is gaining popularity among consumers as an 
individual dish and in combinations with other rices; 
Whereas millions of people in this Nation, as well as countless 
people in other countries, enjoy rice in a variety of forms, includ-
ing the use of rice as an edible grain, in flour, bran, cooking oil, 
cereals, rice cakes, and health food snacks; 
Whereas the people of this Nation consume an average of approxi-
mately 18 pounds of rice per person per year, an amount that 
represents twice the per capita consumption of rice 30 years ago; 
Whereas rice is an important source of nutritional value, as rice 
provides an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, contains 
only a trace of fat, and is cholesterol-free and sodium-free; 
Whereas scientists are now beginning to uncover the benefits of rice 
bran and rice bran oil in lowering the levels of cholesterol in 
humans; 
Whereas new knowledge of the nutritional benefits of the rice 
kernel and the recent health consciousness of the people of this 
Nation is producing a growing appreciation of rice by such people; 
Whereas rice is recognized worldwide as an economical food and an 
important part of feeding the expanding population in Third 
World nations; 
Whereas rice provides an important contribution to the diet, to the 
economy of this Nation, and to the nourishment of other coun-
tries; and 
Whereas the harvest of rice in this Nation is celebrated each 
September: Now, therefore, be it 
PUBLIC LAW 101-492—OCT. 31, 1990 
104 STAT. 1183 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled. That September of 
1991 is designated as "National Rice Month", and the President is 
authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the 
people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate 
ceremonies and activities. 
Approved October 31, 1990. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 353: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 136 (1990): 
Sept. 28, considered and passed Senate. 
Oct. 16, considered and passed House.