Sevilla (Andalusia, Southern Spain) is the main rice growing area in Spain, both in surface (with an area of over 36,000 ha) as well as in production (over 320,000 metric tons per year). Rice growing in the region is highly professionalised, and currently over 98% of the cultivation area is under a Rice Integrated Production System. Rice cultivation is carried out in the area surrounding the Doñana marshes, the most important wintering site for migrating waterbirds in the Mediterranean region, with rice fields providing a relevant feeding habitat for birds, especially during the post-harvest period.
However, rice growing in the area faces serious challenges, mostly derived from the uncertainties about the availability of freshwater, whose current situation will worsen according to most of climate projection models. Furthermore, with rice cultivation being globally a key source of methane and nitrous oxide, there is strong interest from public and private actors to minimise diffuse greenhouse gas emissions from this crop.
There is thus a strong potential for the region to develop, adjust and implement rice cultivation and post-harvest practices that permit to reduce water use and greenhouse gas emissions whilst maintaining and improving its positive effects on biodiversity. This will permit to increase the resilience and enhance the sustainability of the rice sector, becoming an international reference in sustainable rice farming.
Activities
The project is structured in five Work Packages:
DEMONSTRATION AND TRAINING ON PROGRESSIVE GAPS
The project aims to foster the implementation in at least 15,500 ha of Progressive Good Agricultural Practices focusing on: a) Implementation of sustainability standards for rice; b) Enhanced N and P fertilisation; c) Optimised use of chemicals; d) salinity management; and e) Good post-harvest management of straw and water. To achieve this, the project will engage farmers in a training programme, designed to foster the implementation of these GAPs. The project will also support the implementation of the Progressive GAPs in commercial fields, which will be used as showcase farms, and will organise technical days open to the sector and to relevant stakeholders for the diffusion of the project results.
ADVOCACY FOR ENHANCED CROP & POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT
ORYZONTE aims to develop recommendations for regional authorities of new measures to foster sustainable rice cultivation through the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020. The project is working with national and international experts and with local producers to develop recommendations based on project results and on existing scientific knowledge.
ENHANCED PRACTICES ON WATER & GHG
The project is testing, adjusting and evaluating different practices with high potential to reduce water use and minimise greenhouse gas emissions, both during the growing and the post-harvest season. The project is also carrying out a water use assessments to identify key risks linked with rice cultivation in the area and define the best strategies from a catchment perspective. Through training, demo fields and direct support to farmers, the project will foster the implementation of the practices with the highest potential for rice fields in Seville.
BIODIVERSITY – FARM & LANDSCAPE ACTIONS
ORYZONTE is assessing the flora and fauna in Seville rice fields. The project is also assessing existing environmental standards for rice to provide recommendations about how to improve them from an environmental perspective. Finally, through demo fields and training activities, the project will foster the implementation of actions to enhance biodiversity in Seville rice farms.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATION & MONITORING
Among the activities included in this Work Package, the project has set up a Technical Committee, formed by Spanish and European experts from several project-related areas, to advise the project team and monitor the achievement of the project results and outcomes. This Work Package also includes all the project management and communication activities.