California Rice Commission

05/22/2026

Ever wonder how your sushi rice gets planted? From the SKY!

Fly along with us or tap the link in our bio to learn more about California rice ✈️🌾🍣

#360

05/01/2026

California's Central Valley has lost approximately 95 percent of its native wetland habitat over the past 150 years. Today, flooded rice fields managed through programs like Bid4Birds are among the most important remaining substitutes for the wildlife that once depended on those native wetlands. Please consider supporting our work this . Donate by May 7!

04/29/2026

The California Ricelands Waterbird Foundation exists to enhance the ecological value of California rice fields and help sustain the millions of waterbirds and other wildlife traveling the Pacific Flyway for future generations. It is a mission built on the belief that strong agricultural communities and thriving wildlife habitat are not competing interests — they are deeply connected ones. Please consider supporting us this .

04/27/2026

Spring migration is here, and thanks to our partner rice farmers, so is the habitat. So far in Spring 2026, our Bid4Birds program has already created nearly 1,300 acres of shorebird habitat across California ricelands. Shorebirds can lose a significant portion of their body weight during their migration, and these flooded fields are a critical lifeline. Thank you to every farmer making this possible!

04/17/2026

Sacramento Valley is one of the most important habitats for birds in North America — and it's in your backyard. Consider supporting them this Big Day of Giving!

03/09/2026

Shorebirds once relied on vast Central Valley wetlands.

Today, California rice helps fill that gap.

Research shows 472,794 acres of rice are needed to support breeding shorebirds, with 373,540 acres of flooded fields supporting them during migration.

10/29/2025

The Causeway commute looks a little different this time of year. 🚗🚜

growers pushing through harvest. Soon these fields will trade tractors for waterfowl migrating along the

05/12/2025

"The California rice industry is getting a chance to showcase its wildlife conservation successes."

The California rice industry is getting a chance to showcase its wildlife conservation successes. Senate Bill 765 would name the California-native giant garter snake as the official state snake. Author Senator Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, called the snake “an essential part of our natural heritage.....

03/21/2025

"These bugs are the liquid gold for fish..." California Trout's Jacob Katz said to KCRA 3 about the ongoing Fish Food program supporting fish populations with zooplankton in flooded rice fields in the Sacramento Valley.

Ducks Unlimited
Northern California Water

For decades, the number of salmon in the river has sharply dropped, but now scientists believe they just might have a solution and it comes from the unlikeliest of places.

11/15/2024

Did you know that California's rice fields do more than grow America’s sushi rice? 🍚 Rice fields replicate our state’s once abundant wetlands, filling the void as a surrogate wetland that supports both agriculture and wildlife. 🌾

There are 230 wildlife species that live, nest, rest, feed, and rely on California’s rice fields to thrive. When planted in the spring, rice fields can benefit fish, birds, Sacramento Valley communities, and the state’s ecosystem all throughout the year. In the fall and winter, these fields become essential habitats, providing 200 million pounds of food to migratory birds while simultaneously producing zooplankton—a vital food source for juvenile salmon. This innovative approach demonstrates how farming and conservation can work hand in hand, maximizing benefits for both people and wildlife. 🌱

The Coalition brings together farmers, conservationists, and community members to promote sustainable practices that benefit both agriculture and wildlife.

Click here to learn more about the coalition’s efforts: https://norcalwater.org/floodplain-forward/