Canada's Wild Rice Industry

Wild rice's history reaches far back in time. The Algonquian and Siouan peoples called it manomen and harvested it for centuries before the arrival of the first Europeans. The early explorers relied on it in their travels through the northern wilds. Rather than a true member of the rice family, wild rice, is a seed from an aquatic grass, belonging to the genus Zizania aquatica. There are several varieties of wild rice, including northern (palustris), interior, southern (aquatica), estuarine (brevis), and Texas (Texana). The only cereal native to Canada, wild rice is the sole Canadian wild grass that grows from seed each year and that produces a grain of sufficient size to be used for human consumption. Wild rice is found, primarily, in shallow water along the shores of rivers and streams and, to a lesser extent, at lake sites where the water current is relatively slow and constant.

The cultivation of wild rice has challenged farmers for over 100 years. There are numerous bodies of water in Canada where wild rice does not naturally occur, and where attempts to grow it, have resulted in failure. Lack of success in establishing wild rice stands in natural waters has been attributed to a number of factors, such as insects, disease, animals, water level fluctuations, and the chemistry of the water. The limited availability of wild rice has made it higher priced than many forms of rice.

In early fall, the ripe seeds from mature wild rice plants fall onto the muddy bottoms of shallow lakes and streams. The seeds lie dormant at freezing or near-freezing temperatures through the fall and winter. Spring suns warm the seeds and sends out a root sprout which attaches itself loosely to the soft soil. The plants will generally germinate and grow best in about two feet of water, but can grow in four or more feet of water under favourable conditions. Once the stem and leaves develop a foot or two above the water, the growth changes from vegetable to floral. After pollination, it takes two to three weeks for the seed to fully develop. When mature, the greenish black-brown seed detaches easily from the stem. While traditional harvesting by canoe and hand-beating, still plays an important role, so do modern air boat harvesters, skimming over the waters, passing gently through the rice stands, collecting ripened kernels in specially designed trays.

Volume of Production

Canadian wild rice production is concentrated in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Saskatchewan is the primary producer, accounting for almost 70% of total Canadian production in 2003. Canadian production has focused exclusively on wild rice that has been harvested from natural bodies of water - known as Canadian Lake Wild Rice - as opposed to being cultivated or paddy-grown, as is largely the case in the United States. Canadian wild rice production has fluctuated greatly over the past five years. In 2000, production decreased 68% to 846 tonnes from 2,631 tonnes in 1999. Production rebounded in 2001 and 2002, increasing to 1,357 tonnes and 2,676 tonnes, respectively. The upward trend of wild rice production, however, was halted in 2003, when production declined to 2,195 tonnes.

Disposition

After falling 45% from 1,120 tonnes in 1999 to 614 tonnes in 2000, wild rice exports have been increasing annually. Since 2000, exports have increased almost 65% to reach 1,013 tonnes in 2003. The main destination for Canadian wild rice is the United States, importing 84% of Canada's exports in 2003. Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands were also major importers in 2003.

Additional Information

As a result of being grown and processed without the use of chemicals or additives, Canadian wild rice is a unique natural food. Nutritional analysis indicates that wild rice is low in calories and fat, while being high in protein and lysine, an amino acid that is often limited in grains. In addition, wild rice contains high levels of fibre and starch as well as a wide variety of minerals and vitamins, particularly riboflavin and niacin. These nutritional qualities and the unique nutty flavour of wild rice make it a highly desired commodity. Wild rice is most often served as a side dish as it complements many other foods; it is one of the best and most popular accompaniments for wild game such as goose, duck, or venison. Wild rice is also used in soups and stuffings, and is a principal ingredient in many cold salads.

For the latest market information and analysis available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, please consult the following publications:

• Canada: Pulse and Special Crops Outlook
• Bi-weekly Bulletin
• Drought Watch