Small Country Big in Rice

If you were asked to name some of the leading rice producers and exporters of the world, you might say China, India, or the United States.

You’d be forgiven for not thinking of Uruguay.

From relative obscurity half a century ago, Uruguay is now among the world’s top 10 rice exporters. 95% of its rice production is exported, thus becoming South America's major rice exporter.

Thus year-round rainfalls, humid climate and numerous water reservoirs have made Uruguay as a medium-sized rice producer and South America's major rice exporter.

The national Rice Growers Association also plays a strong role in Uruguay's rice farming. It represents all rice farmers and negotiates prices directly with the country’s Union of Rice Mills.