Rice production in Europe is facing a serious crisis, declared producers and players in the sector in the European Union, on Thursday 12 March.
Rising production costs, some of the strictest environmental and production standards in the world, and a massive influx of imports with low or zero customs duties are putting the sector under pressure and threatening its survival, according to a press release from Copa-Cogeca and the Federation of European Rice Millers (FERM).
During the most recent marketing campaign, rice imports into the EU reached around 1.7 million tonnes. A substantial share of these imports benefit from reduced or zero duties.
The industry is calling for a review of the automatic safeguard mechanism linked to the GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) / EBA (Everything But Arms) regime, with activation thresholds that better reflect market realities. It is calling for an adjustment of Common Custom Tariff duties to protect the European sector.
The sector is calling for stronger support on the internal market with targeted promotion efforts and adequate financial resources, as well as strict application of the principle of reciprocity in international trade. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)