During an exchange of views in the European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Natural Resources (NAT), rapporteur Alberto Cirio (IT/EPP), President of the Piemonte Region, outlined the key priorities of his upcoming opinion "The future of the rice sector in Europe: a common strategy". The discussion highlighted the need to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe's rice sector while ensuring fair international trade conditions, high environmental standards and respect for labour rights. Particular attention was given to the impact of climate change on rice production, rising input costs, and concerns over imported rice produced under standards that do not match those required of European farmers.
“A product is not truly good simply because it tastes good. To be considered good, it must also respect the environment and respect people,” said Alberto Cirio. He stressed that Europe must ensure imported rice complies with the same environmental and social requirements expected from European producers, including restrictions on pesticides and respect for workers' rights.
Cirio also underlined the strategic importance of rice cultivation for preserving valuable wetland ecosystems and biodiversity, while calling for a balanced trade policy that does not disadvantage European farmers. The opinion presents rice as a genuinely European product, cultivated in various region across several Member States including Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, France and Hungary. Beyond addressing climate and production challenges, it examines the implications of existing trade arrangements with rice-exporting countries in Southeast Asia and the effectiveness of safeguard mechanisms available to protect European producers. The opinion aims to combine agricultural, commercial and environmental considerations within a common European strategy for the sector.
Next steps
The draft opinion will continue to be developed following the exchange of views and is scheduled for adoption by the Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) on 1–2 October 2026, before its final adoption by the European Committee of the Regions' plenary session on 2–3 December 2026.