“The sustainability of rice cultivation in Portugal is a central issue in guaranteeing the continuity and viability of this strategic agricultural sector for the country. Grown mainly in the Tagus, Sado and Mondego river basins, rice not only represents an important source of income for hundreds of farmers, but also contributes significantly to national food security.
With the aim of raising awareness and valuing the sustainable practices adopted by national producers, the Rice Competence Center (COTArroz) has developed an institutional video on sustainability in rice cultivation. The video highlights farmers’ growing concern for these ecosystems, which protect biodiversity and contribute to the ecological balance of our wetlands.
National rice paddies can function as an important agricultural ecosystem, offering refuge and food to various species of birds, insects and amphibians.
Through this initiative, COTArroz aims to inform and involve society in the collective effort to make our agriculture more sustainable, and to show that rice cultivation, when well managed, can be an example of balance between food production and respect for nature.”
COTArroz – Rice Competence Center