Northern Italy's rice farmers face severe drought conditions in 2026

On July 4, 2026, rice farmers in northern Italy's Pavia province are grappling with extreme drought conditions that threaten their crops. Sharon Angoli, a 22-year-old farmer, expressed despair over her parched paddies, stating, "That one is done for, no matter what happens." The region, known as Europe's rice bowl, has suffered from insufficient spring rainfall, leading to a critical situation for the local rice industry.

Impact of Drought on Rice Production

Pavia, a key area for rice production in Italy, typically yields nearly 5 million tonnes of rice annually. However, the ongoing drought has left farmers despondent. Carlo Angoli, Sharon's father, noted, "We need about 50 millimeters of rain, but without hail." The rice fields, usually lush and green at this time of year, are now dry and overrun by weeds, jeopardizing the harvest.

The Po River Authority has warned that several waterways in northern Italy are in a "critical situation" due to the drought. Lakes are being drained to sustain the Po River and its tributaries, but the reserves may run out soon. Farmers like Sharon and Carlo are not only facing crop failures but also the potential for a repeat of the devastating drought experienced in 2022.

Water Management Challenges in Lombardy

The drought has sparked tensions among farmers in the Lombardy region. Farmers accuse their neighbors in Piedmont of overusing water, exacerbating the crisis. The heat wave that swept across Europe in June has been attributed to climate change, making the situation even more dire. Silvia Garavaglia, head of the local Coldiretti farmers union, emphasized the need for improved water collection methods during winter.

According to Lorenzo Baio, head of water resources for Legambiente Lombardy, agricultural practices must adapt to the changing climate. He advocates for a reduction in corn production area and a shift in water management strategies to allow rice fields to be flooded during spring. Failure to do so may lead to significant crop losses.

Future of Rice Farming in a Changing Climate

The current drought has raised concerns about the future of rice farming in the region. Nicola Valdi, a neighboring farmer, highlighted the critical phase of rice growth, stating, "A healthy plant would have 70 to 80 grains. This one will produce 10." The lack of water is affecting not only rice but also other crops like wheat and soybeans, which are not as profitable.

Farmers in the Piedmont area are also worried, with Roberto Guerrini, head of the local Coldiretti branch, stating, "If the water doesn't arrive within a week or 10 days, we are going to lose crops." The urgency of the situation underscores the need for immediate action to address water shortages and adapt to the ongoing climate crisis.