EU: Coldiretti and Filiera Italia’s opposition to PGI recognition for Pakistani basmati rice upheld

Rome - An important result achieved thanks to the action of Coldiretti and Filiera Italia who, representing the Italian rice supply chain, presented to the European Union the official request to oppose the recognition of the Protected Indication of Origin (PGI) for Basmati rice, proposed by Pakistan. A result also preceded by an awareness raising by Minister Lollobrigida on the issue considering the importance of Made in Italy rice in the European panorama. A concrete response to the risk of further opening the doors to production obtained with the exploitation of child labor, the use of pesticides banned in the EU, up to the risk of dumping on European products. The recognition, in fact, could trigger the risk of exemption from duties of imported PGI basmati processed rice, with consequent repercussions on the Italian market and serious consequences for the national rice supply chain. Furthermore, it could lead to a collapse in the valorization of European Indica rice and the ...