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EU rice farmers urge to reduce import from some countries

Origin labeling among the proposals to be examined

24 January, 12:20
(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, JAN 23- Rice farmers from all over Europe (Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal and Hungary) have reiterated their request to activate the safeguard clause in order to reduce imports of duty free rice from some least developed countries such as Cambodia and consider rice as a 'sensitive' good in trade negotiations. The farmers met in Brussels at the 2nd forum of the European rice sector. In addition to these aspects, the chairman of their organization, Paolo Carrà, underlined ''the need to discuss other proposals, such as the country-of-origin labeling, the request for extraordinary EU measures and funds dedicated to this sector''. ''The quantities in stock and imports from countries that are not a benchmark in terms of respect of basic human rights are putting unbearable pressure on prices - the president of European rice farmers Bertrand Mazel - therefore, we must have a more offensive attitude to protect the sector''.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the ministries of the French, Spanish and Italian farmers and MEPs, such as Paolo De Castro, Tiziana Beghin, Salvatore Cicu, Alberto Cirio, Angelo Ciocca, and the assistants of Lara Comi and Mara Bizzotto.

(ANSA)
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