What Happened to Italy’s Rice Sector Amid Severe Drought?

Italy’s rice sector is facing a severe drought crisis as prolonged heat and limited rainfall push water supplies across the Po Valley to critically low levels. Italy, Europe’s largest rice producer, planted nearly 235,000 hectares of rice in 2025, with more than 80% of production concentrated in Pavia, Vercelli and Novara.

Italy’s Rice Sector Faces Severe Water Shortages

The drought has put significant pressure on Italy’s rice belt, forcing some rice farmers to abandon fields and irrigation authorities to introduce water-rotation systems. Farmers are prioritising parts of their land to protect crops that can still reach harvest.

The situation is particularly serious in Pavia, a major rice-producing province. Local agricultural representatives estimate that the region could face losses exceeding €100 million, equivalent to about $116 million. The losses reflect drought damage, higher production costs and weak rice prices amid competition from non-EU suppliers.

Pressure on Rice Production and Rice Growers

Water scarcity is threatening rice production whereas Italian growers are already dealing with difficult market conditions. Falling producer prices and increased competition from imports are putting additional pressure on farm profitability.

For rice growers, switching to alternative crops is not an easy solution. Many farms have specialized equipment, dryers and machinery designed specifically for rice cultivation. Abandoning rice could therefore require significant operational changes and new investment.

A Search for Long-Term Water Solutions

Authorities and agricultural organisations are exploring measures to improve water security. These include restoring winter flooding practices, developing additional water-storage infrastructure and promoting water farming, where soils retain water beneath rice fields for use during dry periods. However, large reservoirs and infrastructure projects could take years to develop. In the meantime, irrigation rotation and efficient water management remain essential for protecting crops.

What’s the Impact on Italy's Rice Industry of Italy

The drought highlights the growing vulnerability of Italy’s rice belt to extreme weather. Alongside climate pressures, weak market prices and competition affecting rice exports and domestic sales could further squeeze farmers’ incomes.

The crisis underlines the need for stronger water-storage systems, efficient irrigation and long-term climate adaptation. Protecting reliable water supplies will be essential for maintaining Italy’s rice production and its position as Europe’s leading rice producer.