Expected results

Greek rice is one of the most exported products as 90% of the production ends up in foreign markets. In recent years, there has been a continuous and significant increase in rice exports to third countries and mainly to Turkey (35%) which, however, does not offer opportunities to acquire added value. On the other hand, the current increase in the cost of transporting rice from Asian countries and supply problems throughout the production chain due to the pandemic opens for the first time an important window for Greek rice exports to European countries (Spain, Italy). European markets, while allowing the acquisition of higher added value, are particularly demanding in terms of quality specifications.

Within the framework of this methodology, the possibility of diversifying the rice production and marketing strategy will be examined at the same time. This will result in increasing the competitiveness of the product and the consequent increase in sales in the domestic and international market. Obtaining quality control and geographical origin certification will enable the product to enter new, more demanding markets with high control standards. This will make the product more attractive with the potential to fetch higher prices, while at the same time helping to reduce unfair competition from lower quality products. In addition, the importance of the methodology should be underlined in the widespread problem of the “Hellenization” of rice from foreign countries, with a significant economic impact on local agricultural production.