포르투갈의 오랜 벼농사의 역사

Portugal has the highest per capita consumption of rice in Europe: while the rest of the continent consumes about 4-5 kg (about 8.5-11 pounds) per year, Portuguese citizens consume about 16 kg (about 35 pounds) per year!  According to the National Association of Rice Farmers (ANIA), in 2013 the country produced about 190,000 tons of paddy rice (about 130,000 tons milled equivalent), enough to cover only 60-70% of domestic consumption needs.    Almost all of this – about 100,000 tons – is a typical Portuguese variety called Carolino. Carolino is a Japonica variety with small grains, making it cook in a quick 9-10 minutes. Some agencies are seeking its inclusion on the European register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications, like basmati rice and champagne.  Although Carolino is still the most popular variety in Portugal, domestic consumption of Indica varieties is growing as eating habits change.   Rice growing in Portugal dates back to the Middle Ages: the Arabs brought it to the Iberian Peninsula at the time of its conquest in 711.  It nearly disappeared when the country shifted back to Spanish dominion, but it survived.  Rice was still being farmed in the area in the 14th century, but its consumption was mostly limited to wealthy social groups.  Prior to the 20th century, most rice farming in Portugal was restricted to wetland areas, but after the establishment of a set of guidelines for land preparation and water management made farming easier in 1909, farming it became easier.    Now, there are about 2,000 rice farmers in Portugal and in 2013 rice was planted on about 29,884 hectares.  Today, Portugal represents about 6% of total European paddy output and has a volume of trade of about 60 million Euros (about $83 million).  They still have to import about 110,000 tons of milled rice, and they also export about 20,000 tons. - See more at: http://oryza.com/global-news/rice-farming-portugal-has-long-history#sthash.RlHSWDqh.dpuf