The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) recognizes the importance of food sovereignty to the Tribal Nations and the significance of culturally relevant foods including wild rice. On October 13, 2025, Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #277 instructing DATCP to bolster efforts to educate consumers on wild rice.
DATCP has statutory labeling requirements for wild rice in Wisconsin Statutes § 97.57. Wild rice means rice which is not mechanically harvested and which is cultivated without the use of any chemical fertilizer or herbicide. Paddy-grown rice means rice which is mechanically planted, mechanically harvested or cultivated with the use of chemical fertilizers or herbicides.
DATCP values your feedback. To file a complaint related to false labeling of wild rice, email datcpfoodcomplaintsemergencyresponse@wi.gov or call (608) 224-4714.