Italian rice industry faces climate and import pressures

The Italian rice industry is facing significant challenges due to climate change and international competition. Following the Risò International Festival in Vercelli, agricultural organizations have raised alarms regarding the stability of the sector, which remains the leading rice producer in the European Union, primarily concentrated in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions.

Key issues identified include extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, and irregular rainfall, which have caused production drops of up to 30% in certain areas like Baraggia and Lomellina. Additionally, rising costs for fertilizers, diesel, and urea, combined with falling market prices for certain rice varieties, are threatening the profitability of farms.

To safeguard the sector, organizations like Cia-Agricoltori Italiani and Confeuro are calling for urgent interventions. Priorities include improved water management through new reservoirs and infrastructure, increased investment in technological research and genetics, and stronger protections against low-cost imports from Southeast Asia.