Rice production in Portugal

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important crops in Portugal, representing a staple food in the Portuguese diet. The average annual consumption per capita is about 16 kg of white rice. The annual production of rice did not cover the demand and for that reason Portugal import 200,000 ton per year of this cereal. The total rice surface depends on the quantity and quality of irrigation water available, however the maximum area allowed for rice production in Portugal by EU is 34,000 ha, but last years the surface was about 25,000 ha and the yield 150,000 ton. The most important rice production area was located in Alentejo, where the climatic conditions are normally favorable for rice production. Presently the most important varieties of rice in Portugal are: 'Ariete', 'Koral' and 'Thaibonnet'. The criteria used by producers for choosing the varieties are: adaptability, productivity, resistance to diseases and acceptability by industry.