Summary
Highlights
Portugal, the largest per capita consumer of rice in the EU, introduces Caravela, a new rice variety 100% 'made in Portugal'. Developed over 20 years, it's adapted to local soil and climate, offering high productive potential. Valdemar Carvalhinas, an experienced producer, discusses his positive experience cultivating Caravela, highlighting its good yield in the Mondego region.
António Jordão, a rice cultivation specialist, emphasizes that developing national varieties like Caravela reduces dependence on imported seeds from Italy and Spain, contributing to food sovereignty. These varieties are better adapted to Portuguese regions, avoiding royalty payments and strengthening local agricultural knowledge.
Sofia Costa and her brother, third-generation rice producers, combine family tradition with technological innovation, using precision agriculture, GPS, and drones for efficient production. They cultivate various rice types, including Caravela, and highlight the challenges of managing rice crops and the importance of proper harvesting and drying.
The launch of Caravela rice was formalized through a consortium involving the Novarroz industry, Clube de Produtores Continente, and Lusosem, the company responsible for its multiplication and commercialization. This collaboration is seen as a perfect example of a successful value chain from research to distribution, aiming to increase the consumption of Carolino rice, a staple in Portuguese gastronomy.
Carlos Parreira do Amaral, President of the Association of Rice Growers in Portugal, notes that rice is the only cereal crop in Portugal with over 60% self-sufficiency. Portuguese consume around 17-18 kg per capita annually, making them 'Europe's Asians'. The main variety produced is Carolino, which is unique to Portugal. Rice cultivation requires specific conditions, with a significant reduction in water usage achieved through technological advancements.
Francisco Bastos, a producer in Val do Sorraia, uses ClearField varieties to minimize the impact of weeds, especially rice grass. He also explains the mutual benefits between rice fields and biodiversity, with these ecosystems supporting various flora and fauna, despite some occasional damage to crops.
The rice sector faces difficulties in commercialization due to increased global exports and changing domestic consumption habits. While Carolino rice consumption has decreased in Portugal, needle rice consumption has risen. This shift, coupled with competitive pricing from other countries, has negatively impacted export prices for Portuguese Carolino rice.
Frederico Rodrigues, CEO of Dasax Atlantic, highlights the Portuguese appreciation for rice and their openness to new varieties and cooking methods. The industrial process involves cleaning, hulling, whitening, polishing, and rigorous quality control to ensure food safety and traceability from field to final product. Dasax Atlantic, celebrating 100 years, produces the Feira brand and private label rice, including ingredients for baby food.
Joaquim Cheinho, a rice producer for almost 40 years, faces challenges due to water scarcity and market conditions. He started his own brand, 'Avô Quim', to differentiate his product and reach local markets, hoping to inspire other producers to do the same. Carlos Parreira do Amaral believes the future of Portuguese rice lies in emphasizing its unique and premium qualities, as Portuguese Carolino rice offers a distinct flavor.