Rice work: Dutch test new crop to save sinking peatlands

In a field near Amsterdam and The Hague, Dutch farmer Sander Roeleveld has begun growing rice—a crop previously considered impossible in the wet, temperate Netherlands. The region, featuring canals and windmills amidst low-lying polders, is experiencing challenges from climate change. As peatlands, once drained for cattle grazing, dry out, they release carbon dioxide and cause the land to sink. This has led researchers to experiment with rice cultivation as a potential solution.

Philippe Terheggen, chairman of the Land van Ons association, expressed amazement at the prospect of rice being grown in the area, noting it was unthinkable just two decades ago. The pilot project spans 0.6 hectares and aims to produce around three tonnes of short-grain rice suitable for sushi or risotto. Around 30 rice cultivars from various countries, including Russia, China, Japan, and Uzbekistan, are being tested to determine which thrive in Dutch conditions.

Roeleveld, dubbed a pioneer, aims to demonstrate that wetland areas can yield more than just grass. Researchers from Wageningen University and Leiden University are collaborating on the project, with the goal of comparing the carbon dioxide and methane emissions from rice cultivation to those from traditional grassland. By keeping the peatlands wet, the rice cultivation could help prevent degradation, reduce emissions, and halt land subsidence, which currently occurs by up to several centimeters annually in affected areas.

The project could have broader implications beyond the Netherlands, as similar issues affect northern Europe. Researchers are closely monitoring the environmental impact to ensure the solution doesn't unintentionally exacerbate climate change. Local restaurants have shown interest in sourcing Dutch-grown rice, with the hope of using it in premium dishes like sushi and sake.