Brussels, 25/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - At the request of the Italian delegation, the Agriculture Council of Monday 24 March discussed the difficult situation currently being experienced by the European rice sector, due to the gradual increase in imports into the EU of milled rice.
Italy, with the support of a number of countries (Spain, Greece, Portugal and Bulgaria), stressed that, in certain regions of the EU where rice is the main agricultural activity, the surface area of rice fields is constantly falling due to the reduced viability. This situation is made worse by the gradual increase in imports into the EU of milled rice from the least-developed countries and other countries with which the EU has concluded bilateral agreements. Imports come mostly from Cambodia.
The Commission has stated that contacts had taken place with Cambodia to try to reach a solution. It stated that it is following market developments closely and, if necessary, is prepared to take measures. (LC)