“Part of Greek rural identity rice”
The need for a single commercial strategy in favor of rice producers was underlined by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaras From Vercelli, Northern Italy, which takes place at the EU Rice Sector: a common strategy “.
He referred to the cultivation of Axios in Central Macedonia, where more than 30,000 hectares are cultivated and more than 230,000 tonnes were produced annually adding that our country has a positive trade balance, with exports almost five times larger than imports in volume and three times.
“This proves that European rice can have commercial success when promoted as a product of quality, viability and authenticity,” he said, according to RES.
Mr Tsiaras, however, pointed out that the commercial environment remains unequal due to mass dictatorships from Asia and EBA countries, which “produce methods incompatible with European standards”. “This is not competition; it is a distortion,” he said, demanding fair rules.
Presented three key pillars for a single European strategy:
Market Justice – reciprocity in import standards and effective assurance measures.
Promotion outside Europe – Investing in value and special varieties (Arborio, Bomba, Greek varieties) with organized actions in high demand markets, such as the Middle East and Africa.
Producer Unity – Support of the new Eurice body, which brings together Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, France, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania in a common voice to Brussels.
“European rice is not just a commodity. It is an ecological treasure and commercial opportunity. With a strong and united strategy we can protect our farmers, open new markets and ensure that consumers around the world choose European rice for its quality, justice and viability, “the Greek minister concluded.