Meloni: ‘MPS: the market will decide its future; the government has no role to play at present’

Meloni’s presence is not only a clear tribute to rice producers, but also a promise to work together to ensure that the excellence of rice cultivation – which is being severely tested by drought, climate change and imports at reduced tariffs (under the EBA scheme) from South-East Asia, particularly from Cambodia and Myanmar (see today’s edition of *Il Sole 24 Ore*, available at newsagents). “The rice supply chain is a cutting-edge sector, the pride of ‘Made in Italy’, and we are aware that this heritage must be safeguarded and defended against unfair competition from nations that do not respect our social and labour standards’. The reference is to the discussions surrounding agreements with South-East Asia. “You cannot enter into free trade agreements with countries that do not respect your standards. We compete not on quantity but on quality, and we have a duty to defend it.” The Prime Minister cites the example of the requirements on plant protection products imposed by the EU, but not elsewhere.

Meloni has pledged to continue the fight against ‘Italian Sounding’ (‘it’s not competition, it’s theft’) and ‘to ensure adequate resources for the Common Agricultural Policy’, following the first round of negotiations on the EU budget, which she claims our country has won. ‘We have restored the funds they wanted to cut, not because we do not believe that Europe should invest in competitiveness, but because we do not think it is wise to view agriculture as an alternative to competitiveness and strategic autonomy. At a time when we are exposed to everything we eat, we are not yet exposed to this, and we do not want to become so.”

The slogan in a nutshell: ‘Agriculture at the heart of national policies, quality is our playing field’. Our thanks to Minister Lollobrigida are heartfelt: ‘His role has made all the difference because he is a determined person – sometimes even too much so. We are Europe’s leading agricultural sector in terms of added value. We want to do more, and we can always do more, with this sector. Behind every single grain of rice lies the sweat of entire generations, the pride of an identity’. The Prime Minister leaves the audience with a statement of intent: ‘The Government and the State must do nothing more than refrain from hindering those who generate wealth and uphold this nation’s excellence’.

At a press briefing held on the sidelines following her speech, Meloni returned to the issue of high energy prices, reiterating her commitment to introduce next week the ‘targeted’ measures announced in Bari at the celebration marking the Government’s record-breaking tenure. Following the short extension until 17 September of the reduction in excise duty on diesel, approved yesterday by the Council of Ministers, ‘we would like a measure that is more specifically targeted at consumers and users who are most in need; we would also like a measure that is straightforward and immediate for the public, one that does not cause confusion – which is the most difficult part of this work and has therefore required a few more days”.