Balıkesir Gonen Rice

Balıkesir Gönen rice is a geographical indication rice variety registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 6 May 2025 as a protected designation of origin, produced within the boundaries of the Gönen district of Balıkesir Province, Türkiye. It is obtained by milling the paddy grains of the Oryza sativa L. species after removing the husks. The product exhibits characteristics typical of the Gönen Plain, including long grains with a translucent and matte appearance, shaped by the region’s unique climate and soil conditions.

Distinctive Characteristics

In the production of Balıkesir Gönen rice, only Gönen seeds registered with the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute Directorate are used. These seeds are supplied exclusively by authorized firms operating within the geographical boundary. Sunlight exposure of 512.8 cal/cm² in July and 447.5 cal/cm² in August in the Gönen Plain enhances dry matter accumulation in the rice grains.

Physical and chemical properties:

• Grain length: 6.80–7.05 mm
• Length-to-width ratio: 2 ≤ – ≥3
• Weight of 1000 grains: 28.80–30.98 g
• Gelatinization temperature: 51.99–61.20°C
• Hectolitre weight: 82.20–86.80 kg/hl
• Protein content: 7.00–7.30 g/100 g
• Moisture content: 9.38–14.51 g/100 g

The product has white grains with no chalky areas. It belongs to the long-grain rice (Type A) group and matures in 120–125 days.

Production Method

The production process of Balıkesir Gönen rice consists of the following stages:

• Soil preparation: Conducted between 15 and 30 September.
• Seed germination: Carried out between 1 and 20 April by soaking in water.
• Sowing: Performed using the transplanting method between 30 April and 15 May.
• Irrigation: Implemented using the intermittent flooding method.
• Fertilization: Nitrogen-based fertilizers are applied during the tillering stage.
• Weed and pest control: Achieved through cultural, physical and chemical methods.
• Harvesting: Conducted between 1 September and 15 October using combine harvesters and sickles.

Post-harvest operations:

• Cleaning, washing and drying,
• Husking and polishing,
• Classification, packaging and storage are completed.

Packaging is carried out at a moisture content of 12–14%. Polyethylene bags or cardboard boxes are used. The product is stored under dry and hygienic conditions at temperatures of 20–25°C.

Processes Required to Take Place Within the Geographical Boundary

The entire production, processing and packaging of Balıkesir Gönen rice must be carried out within the boundaries of the Gönen district.

Monitoring

Monitoring is conducted at least once annually by a four-member oversight body coordinated by the Gönen Chamber of Agriculture, comprising representatives from the Gönen Commodity Exchange, the Gönen Paddy Producers Union and the Gönen District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Monitoring covers the following aspects:

• Compliance with physicochemical properties,
• Adherence to production methods,
• Compliance with harvesting and packaging conditions,
• Proper use of the protected designation mark and logo.