The Rural Voice, 1986-04, Page 92World demand for wild rice grows
"Wild Rice, The Natural
Crop," an international con-
ference for the wild rice industry
has been set for May 13 to May 15
at Minaki, Ontario. Dr. Peter Lee,
Lakehead University research
associate and organizer for the
event made the announcement at
an International Wild Rice
Growers Association conference in
Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The
spring conference will examine
ways of boosting lake production
of wild rice.
"World market demand for wild
rice is growing," said Lee, "but
naturally grown wild rice has slip-
ped from 100 per cent of the world
crop to 10 per cent in only twenty
years. Ontario used to be the world
leader. In 1985 Ontario lakes yield-
ed only one per cent of the total
crop."
Lee says American farmers rais-
ing wild rice in man-made paddies
have taken over the industry.
Farm Follies
"In only six years, California
has built an industry which sup-
plies 60 per cent of the world pro-
duction. We have the potential to
increase our natural yields in hun-
dreds of lakes around the region
but have so far not done so. With
continued training and research,
we are capable of selecting lakes
with the right nutrient levels,
seeding them at minimal cost and
cultivating and harvesting the crop
using modern techniques."
"Conferences such as the two
day session organized at Minaki
Lodge help to educate and
stimulate those involved in the wild
rice industry."
Eugene Whelan, Canada's
former agriculture minister and
past president of the World Food
Council will speak on wild rice and
his experiences with international
agriculture. Other experts on lake
rice and wetlands such as
geneticists, biologists, and
agrologists will discuss nutrient
relations of wild rice, selecting the
best strains of rice, germination,
fluctuating water levels, wetlands
management and extension ser-
vices around Canada.
The conference also marks the
completion of Lakehead Universi-
ty's five year wild rice research
program funded by the Ministry of
Northern Development and Mines.
The final report on new techniques
for the management of wild rice on
natural lakes and rivers will be
released.
Copies of the conference agenda
as well as registration forms are
available from any Northern
Development and Mines Office or
by contacting Dr. Peter Lee,
Department of Biology, Lakehead
University, Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7B 5E1, 807-345-2121, ext. 662.
Deadline for advanced registration
is April 1. ❑
"1 liked the good old days when we could keep 'em contented by
just playing a little music."
•I3flLL's•
FEE.13 SEES
"Yes, Bob, I know I quoted
that price to you over the
phone — but that was this
morning."
96 THE RURAL VOICE