Italy, the EU's largest rice producer, is planning to plant the smallest rice crop in 23 years due to two consecutive years of drought. The country is expected to sow no more than 211,000 hectares in 2023, marking a decrease of 7,400 hectares from 2022 and 16,000 hectares from 2021. The drought has significantly reduced soil moisture levels and the snowfall in the Italian Alps this year is lower than the previous year. As a result, the sowing season, which begins in April, could face challenges in maintaining the required water levels for rice cultivation. This could potentially decrease Italy's rice production, which accounts for half of the EU's rice production, and could also impact the production of unique rice varieties like Arborio and Carnaroli that are essential for risotto.