Threat posed to Italian arborio rice by rice produced in Myanmar

10.1.2020

Question for written answer E-000155/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Silvia Sardone (ID)

Italian rice producers associations have flagged up a major problem in Italy. The are particularly concerned at unfair competition from arborio rice produced in Myanmar. Prices of ‘Made in Italy’ arborio rice have slumped (from EUR 50 per 100 kg to EUR 40 per 100 kg already), while imports from Myanmar of this cultivar of japonica rice have risen by 300%.

Italian rice producers are calling on the EU to reintroduce import duties for japonica rice. This is a key sector for Italy, and one that has a worldwide reputation for quality. It is worth remembering that 75% of Italian rice producers grow japonica rice varieties, producing the high-quality arborio and carnaroli cultivars. One should also remember the systematic human rights violations being perpetrated in Myanmar and Cambodia.

Can the Commission state:

• 1.how it will address this unfair competition from japonica rice produced in Myanmar;
• 2.whether it will reintroduce duties on this variety;
• 3.what its stance is on the issue of human rights in Myanmar and Cambodia?