by PressHow the Green Deal is affecting rice cultivation in Spain
Rice cultivation in Spain is under threat
Rice cultivation in Spain is facing serious challenges. Local farmers are losing access to essential plant protection products, which undermines production stability. This is due to a sharp reduction in pesticide use as part of the European Union’s efforts to make agriculture more environmentally friendly.
Spain is rapidly meeting the Green Deal targets. The country has already reduced its use of chemical pesticides by over 58%. This is one of the highest rates in the EU. However, farmers now lack effective solutions against diseases and pests.
Producers of arroz bomba rice, grown in the Ebro River delta, have particularly suffered. Without the ability to use drugs such as tricyclazole, they are losing their crops and are unable to combat the Pyricularia fungus.
Consequences for farmers
Farmers have reported a sharp drop in yields. In 2023, the Bomba harvest was nearly half of what it usually is. The situation is further complicated by the prohibition of Profoxydim (AURA). A herbicide previously used for weed control.
Farmers believe the lack of alternatives creates unfair competition. Similar substances are legal in other EU countries, and rice is imported into Spain without restrictions. This threatens not only their businesses but also the preservation of their traditional way of life.
Spanish rice growers are demanding the following measures:
— introduce a temporary permit for the AURA herbicide, at least for some crops;
— establish the principle of reciprocity for imports: allow only those products that are grown according to the same rules;
— ensure equal conditions within the EU for producers who comply with environmental standards.
The cooperative position
Agricultural cooperatives emphasize that this issue goes beyond agricultural production. Rice cultivation in Spain plays a key role in supporting the economic sustainability of rural areas and preserving the natural balance. Rice fields are particularly important for highly vulnerable ecosystems. Including protected wetlands and migratory bird nesting sites. Disrupting this fragile balance by ceasing rice cultivation could have environmental consequences.
The Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España organization submitted an official request to the Ministry of Agriculture via the regional authorities. The request is based on Article 53 of EU Regulation No. 1107/2009. Its permits the temporary use of prohibited substances in exceptional circumstances.
Félix Liviano, chairman of the rice sector of the cooperatives, said that farmers are working at the limit of their capabilities. He claims that sustainable agriculture is impossible without effective plant protection products. If the restrictions are not revised, rice cultivation in Spain will be threatened with extinction. This would have serious consequences for the environment, employment, and food security.
The situation with rice in Spain illustrates the risks of strict regulatory policies that do not consider agricultural practices. Without action, Spain may lose its harvest and its centuries-old agricultural tradition.