Rice as an advanced indicator of the global climate crisis and the growing pressure on water resources. This was the underlying theme of the international conference organized by the Italian Permanent Representation, entitled “Every drop counts… Environmental Sustainability, Technological Innovation and Rice Cultivation,” held at the OECD headquarters in Paris.
The conference focused on the future of rice cultivation in a context of growing water scarcity. Initiating the conference, Ambassador Luca Sabbatucci, Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Paris, drew attention to the vulnerability of European agricultural systems, emphasizing the strategic role of Italy, which produces approximately 50% of the European Union’s rice. During the event, the OECD presented worrying data on the economic outlook related to water risks. Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, the Organization’s Director for Environment, emphasized how collaboration with Italy is crucial to mitigating the effects of ecosystem degradation.
According to OECD analyses, drought is already a structural phenomenon across vast areas of the planet and could generate growing economic losses by 2035, with significant impacts on the rice sector, both in terms of biomass and production yields. Italy has established itself as a model of resilience and innovation in water resource management for rice cultivation, thanks to the unique configuration of the Po River basin, fed by Alpine waters, and the presence of a historic and sophisticated network of irrigation infrastructure. Riccardo Preve (Riso Gallo SpA) emphasized the importance of techniques such as dry sowing to reduce water consumption, while Alice Cerutti (Cascina Oschiena) and Maria Chiara Goio (Riso Goio 1929) presented successful experiences that combine production quality, biodiversity protection, and environmental sustainability.
The conference finally reaffirmed that protecting rice is not just an agricultural issue but represents a global food security challenge. In a world where this cereal constitutes the staple diet of approximately half the population, the ability to make its production sustainable will be crucial to the economic and social stability of future generations.
