Novara – Coldiretti and Filiera Italia, representing the Italian rice supply chain, have 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. “From the use of child labor, to the use of pesticides banned in the EU, to the risk of dumping on European products, there are, in fact, several shadows that weigh on the oriental production that invades the community market – explains Roberto GuerriniPresident of Coldiretti Vercelli-Biella and board member of Coldiretti Piemonte with territorial delegation to the rice sector – In the document Coldiretti and Filiera Italia highlight how the adoption of this recognition could generate the exemption from duties of imported basmati PGI processed rice, with consequent repercussions on the Italian and Piedmontese markets as well as serious consequences for the national rice production chain”.
“Moreover – highlight the President of Coldiretti Novara-Vco Fabio Tofi and the Director Luciano Salvadori – the principle of reciprocity in terms of social and environmental sustainability in the rice production process in Pakistan would not be guaranteed. We must also add the fact that in Pakistan, as well as in India, pesticides that have been banned for years in the EU are used, such as, for example, tricyclazole. Finally, let us remember how the rice coming from those Asian countries is the result of child labor, a further reason that makes us oppose such scandals”.
