About the Australian rice industry

Rice production is one of the most important agricultural activities on the planet – more than half the people in the world eat rice at least once a day.

In Australia we can produce enough rice annually to feed more than 20 million people, 365 days a year.

Rice was one of the founding industries for many irrigation towns in southern New South Wales and Northern Victoria.

Since its establishment, the industry has employed thousands of people across regional Australia, predominately in the Riverina region of NSW. It now contributes significantly to the economic health of those regions.

Today, the Australian rice industry is a world leader in production efficiency, water use efficiency and environmental management.

Most of the rice grown in Australia is concentrated in the Murrumbidgee and Murray Valleys of southern New South Wales. Small areas of rice are also grown in Northern Victoria, Northern New South Wales and Northern Queensland.

Ricegrowers' Association of Australia Inc.

The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia Inc. (RGA) represents over 1,000 voluntary members and supports growers on issues affecting the viability of their business and communities.

The RGA was formed in 1930 during the early years of the rice industry, turning a small group of pioneering rice growers into an effective and cohesive force. Today, the RGA provides a strong, united voice for all growers and the broader Australian rice industry.

The RGA represents the interests of rice growers, and provides services to members, to ensure they can provide a legacy for their children, create employment in their districts and grow quality rice. With rice still the mainstay of many Riverina towns, it is important that RGA members have a strong and effective representation in the three key policy areas of Water, Environmental Sustainability and Productivity and Industry Affairs.

The RGA is a member of the National Farmers Federation, National Irrigators Council, NSW Irrigators Council, Plant Health Australia, and the Associations Forum.

SunRice Group

As a key industry pillar, SunRice has had a long association with Australian agriculture and the land.

The SunRice Group is an ASX-listed, global food business and one of Australia’s leading branded food exporters.

With roots in Australia’s food bowl, SunRice was formed in 1950 when a group of rice growers pooled their resources in the Riverina region of New South Wales to build a single rice mill. Today, SunRice has grown into one of the largest rice food companies in the world, comprising of multiple businesses, assets and operations across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, the United States, the Pacific Islands and Asia.

For over 70 years, SunRice has been transforming nature’s goodness into healthy, enjoyable and nutritious foods that meet the needs of discerning consumers around the world. In addition to SunRice’s much-loved rice foods, the company offers a diverse portfolio of gourmet, ‘free from’ food products and animal feeds and nutrition.

SunRice’s 35 major brands are sold in 50 global markets and hold leading brand positions in 14 countries.

SunRice’s 2,000+ employees around the world have a strong focus on delivering a value for money product and are passionate about making a difference to places and lives everywhere through more than 1,500 nourishing and delicious products.

The SunRice Group is a major employer in the Riverina, operating three rice processing mills in Deniliquin and Leeton, a network of more than 70 storage facilities, CopRice animal ruminant facilities and other value-add facilities in Leeton.

AgriFutures Australia

AgriFutures Australia is primarily funded by an annual Australian Government appropriation and is responsible for managing the rice industry levy funds.

AgriFutures Australia invests in research, leadership, innovation and learning for the rice industry as well as 11 other industries that do not have their own research and development function.

The AgriFutures Rice Program invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) to maintain the industry’s competitiveness and improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry.

With the support of SunRice and the RGA, the AgriFutures Rice Program drives RD&E focused on the production of new rice varieties compatible with a water productivity target of 1.5t/ML by 2026. This is coupled with targeted agronomy and farming system focused activities, extension activities focused on increasing adoption and uptake of technology, and innovation in partnership with industry.

The Rice Marketing Board for the State of New South Wales

The Rice Marketing Board for the State of New South Wales (RMB) was the first commodity marketing board established in New South Wales under the Marketing of Primary Products Act, 1927, and was officially constituted by Proclamation on 9th November 1928.

The Board's primary function is to obtain the best possible monetary return to rice growers and operates under the authority of and in accordance with the Rice Marketing Act 1983