Greek rice growers squeezed by low prices, rising costs

Greece’s rice sector is facing growing pressure as producers struggle with low farm-gate prices, rising production costs and increasing competition from imports from third countries.

Despite these challenges, Greek rice remains a highly export-oriented product with a strong reputation for quality, according to Vasilis Koukourikis, president of the National Interprofessional Organisation of Greek Rice (EDOREL).

Concerns over crop protection and trade

Koukourikis said to AMNA taht the sector is grappling with weak producer prices, limited market activity and ongoing crop protection issues.

He noted that some plant protection products have yet to receive full authorization, forcing farmers to rely on temporary 120-day approvals to control weeds in rice fields.

The delays are affecting producers’ ability to effectively plan cultivation activities, he said.