Vietnam might lose entry to global rice contest
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Vietnam might lose its right to enter the World’s Best Rice Contest because of the large number of unauthorized companies selling the ST25 variety on the market.
U.S.-based The Rice Trader, organizer of the annual contest that started in 2009, said only the ST25 rice variants produced by the company of Ho Quang Tri, the son of the main developer of the rice, Ho Quang Cua, is allowed to use the “World’s Best Rice” title in promoting this product.
However, many Vietnamese companies have been printing this title on their product packages without permission from The Rice Trader, which is a copyright infringement, it said in a statement.
Should these actions persist, the organization will release the names of the infringers and take away Vietnam’s rights to participate in the contest in upcoming years, it warned.
The ST25 variety from Vietnam won the World’s Best Rice Contest in 2019 and secured second place last year, losing first place to a jasmine fragrance variety from Thailand.
The ST25 variety is the result of 25 years of work by Cua and his colleagues who cross-bred the premium fragrant rice, described as having a sweet taste and a hint of pineapple flavor, in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang.
Other countries that have won the contest in previous years include Thailand, the U.S., and Cambodia.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific rice variety is causing this issue for Vietnam?
Which specific rice variety is causing this issue for Vietnam?
The ST25 rice variety is at the centre of the problem. Many Vietnamese companies are selling unauthorised versions of it, using the 'World's Best Rice' title without permission from the contest organiser.
Q.What specifically constitutes the copyright infringement mentioned by The Rice Trader?
What specifically constitutes the copyright infringement mentioned by The Rice Trader?
The copyright infringement occurs when Vietnamese companies print the 'World's Best Rice' title on their product packages. This is done without permission, as only ST25 variants from Ho Quang Tri's company are authorised to use it.
Q.How has the ST25 rice variety performed in the World’s Best Rice Contest previously?
How has the ST25 rice variety performed in the World’s Best Rice Contest previously?
The ST25 variety from Vietnam won the contest in 2019. It then secured second place in the contest last year, losing out to a jasmine fragrance variety from Thailand.
Q.Who developed the ST25 rice variety and what are its notable characteristics?
Who developed the ST25 rice variety and what are its notable characteristics?
The ST25 variety was developed over 25 years by Ho Quang Cua and his colleagues. It is a premium fragrant rice, noted for its sweet taste and a subtle hint of pineapple flavour.
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