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In order to include three new varieties and extend the protection to also cover brown rice, the following paragraph from the Description of product sections of the product specification (section B) and single document (point 3.2): ‘White rice of the “Bahía”, “Tebre”, “Gleva”, “Fonsa”, “Bomba” and “Montsianell” varieties of the species Oryza sativa L., compliant with the “Extra Class” marketing standard.’ has been replaced with: ‘White and brown rice of the “Bahía”, “Tebre”, “Gleva”, “Fonsa”, “Bomba”, “Montsianell”, “JSendra”, “Guara” and “Olesa” varieties of the species Oryza sativa L., grown using conventional or organic farming methods (or other government-recognised sustainable production systems). White rice must be compliant with the “Extra Class” marketing standard and brown rice (i.e. “husked rice”) must be compliant with the sole marketing standard in place for brown rice.’ The inclusion of these three new rice varieties meant that other passages in the Description of product sections (section B of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document) also needed to be adapted. The following text: ‘The “Bahía”, “Tebre”, “Fonsa”, “Montsianell” and “Gleva” varieties have very similar characteristics. Although there may be minor variations in the way they are grown, there are no major differences in the end product.’ has been replaced with: ‘All of the varieties covered by this PDO are of the subspecies japonica. Practically all of them (“Bahía”, “Tebre”, “Fonsa”, “Montsianell”, “Gleva”, “JSendra” and “Guara”) have very similar characteristics. Although there may be minor variations in the way they are grown, there are no major differences in the end product.’ The following text: ‘Although the “Bomba” variety differs from the others in both how it is grown and the rice itself, it has been included in the product specification for its quality and because it is traditional to the Ebro Delta area.’ has been replaced with: ‘Although the “Bomba” variety differs from the others in both how it is grown and the rice itself, it has been included in the product specification for its quality and because it is traditional to the Ebro Delta area. The uncooked kernels of the “Olesa” variety look very different to those of the other varieties covered by the PDO, but this variety, which also originated in the defined geographical area, produces similar results in the kitchen to the “Bomba” variety.’ The following text: ‘These varieties have a high concentration of starch in the centre of the kernel, giving them a chalky white centre described in Spanish as “perlado” or “pearly”. This is what allows the rice to absorb the flavours and colours of the other ingredients used in a recipe as it cooks.’ has been replaced with: ‘These varieties have a high enough amylose content to allow the rice to properly absorb the flavours and colours of the other ingredients in a recipe as it cooks.’ The following text: ‘All of these varieties are known for cooking evenly and their uniform kernels. They are ideal for the region’s local rice dishes because, unlike other types such as long-grain rice, they absorb a good deal of flavour. ’ has been replaced with: ‘All of them are known for cooking evenly and their uniform grains once cooked. They are ideal for the region’s local rice dishes because, unlike other types such as the majority of long-grain varieties, they absorb a good deal of flavour. Although “Olesa” is a long-grain variety, it gives similar results in the kitchen to the other varieties covered by the PDO.’ Due to the inclusion of brown rice, which, as is explained under Description of product (section B1 – Product definition – of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document), is covered by a different marketing standard, the following paragraph from the Description of product sections (section B of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document) also needed to be adapted: ‘When dispatched for marketing, all of the varieties protected by “Arroz del Delta del Ebro” PDO must be compliant with the “Extra Class” marketing standard, and the kernels must be sound and free of any fungus, rotting, insects, parasites, or extraneous odours and/or flavours.’ It has been replaced with: ‘When dispatched for marketing, all of the varieties protected by “Arroz del Delta del Ebro” PDO must be compliant with the relevant marketing standard, and the kernels must be sound and free of any fungus, rotting, insects, parasites, or extraneous odours and/or flavours.’ Reasons for the inclusion of brown rice: Brown rice (also called ‘cargo’ or ‘husked’ rice) is what white rice – until now the only type protected by the PDO – is made from. Brown rice consists of ripe rice kernels that have had their husks or hulls removed, leaving the bran layer, which gives the rice its colour. The decision to add brown rice to the types covered by ‘Arroz del Delta del Ebro’ PDO has been taken to adapt to changing consumer habits, with this type of product coming into increasing demand. Reasons for the inclusion of new varieties: Along with the varieties already covered (‘Bahía’, ‘Tebre’, ‘Fonsa’, ‘Bomba’, ‘Montsianell’ and ‘Gleva’), the new additions (‘JSendra’, ‘Guara’ and ‘Olesa’) are the rice varieties that are most able to adapt to the wetlands of the Ebro Delta. The cooked rice of these new varieties has the same characteristics as that of the varieties already covered by the PDO, and all of them – old and new – belong to the japonica subspecies. ‘JSendra’ is a variety that is well-adapted to the environment and the prevailing weather conditions, particularly wind, owing to the height of the plants. It is highly resistant to grain-shedding, lodging and blast disease. As one of the varieties that is latest to be sown (in the first half of May), it is among the most adaptable to climate change. Its characteristics are very similar to those of the varieties currently covered by the PDO. The ‘Guara’ variety is also suited to the environment and the prevailing weather conditions. It is among the varieties that take best to sandy soils. Its characteristics are very similar to those of the varieties currently covered by the PDO. The ‘Olesa’ variety originated in the Ebro Delta and is well suited to the local environment. As a short-duration variety, it can be cultivated sustainably, using fewer natural resources and with environmentally friendly farming practices. It is highly resistant to fungal infection and lodging, and therefore takes well to the local climate. Its culinary properties are very similar to those of the varieties already covered by the PDO. How different rice varieties adapt to different types of soil is the subject of research conducted in both the private and the public sector, through the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology’s ‘Ebro Experimental Station’. The industry is also keenly aware of and sensitive to the area’s high ecological value: striking a balance between the area’s wealth of natural heritage and its socio-economic value has always been a crucial priority. The rice crop in the Ebro Delta is an example of how a crop established in the late 19th century can make a major contribution to the high value of an area as a nature site. Work and research therefore continue, seeking to identify more sustainable crop varieties that have the same characteristics that distinguish the existing varieties and can adapt to the particular conditions of the Ebro Delta. The varieties proposed for inclusion are notable for: a) being more resistant to fungal diseases, Pyricularia oryzae in particular, reducing the need for fungicides; b) being more resistant to soil salinity; c) taking well to sandy soils, ‘Guara’ in particular; d) being more adaptable to variations caused by climate change; e) maintaining agronomic and environmental compatibility in the defined area. The new varieties have been added to the tables listing the characteristics of the rice in the Description of product sections (section B of the product specification and point 3.2 of the single document).