Piricularia Outbreak Puts Valencian Rice Varieties and Paella Heritage at Risk
Valencia, Spain – Farmers and agricultural groups in Valencia are sounding the alarm after a devastating outbreak of the rice blast fungus, piricularia, which is severely damaging emblematic rice varieties such as bomba, Albufera and, increasingly, J. Sendra. The Asociación Valenciana de Agricultores (AVA-ASAJA) warns that unless regulatory changes and effective fungicides are approved, traditional varieties tied to local culture and the paella will be lost.
Key facts at a glance
- AVA-ASAJA reports up to a 75% loss in the most sensitive varieties (Bomba, Albufera, J. Sendra).
- Total rice harvest in the Albufera natural park could fall by 15-20%.
- Farmers blame EU pesticide regulation and the bureaucratic loss of effective fungicides for worsening resistance and limited treatment options.
- Calls for remarkable aid, broader insurance coverage and regulatory exceptions to allow more effective fungicides.
What farmers and experts are saying
Miguel Minguet, treasurer of AVA-ASAJA and head of the rice working group at COPA-COGECA, described the current attack as the worst in a century and blamed policy decisions at EU level for the loss of treatment options.
“Nobody remembers such a devastating piricularia attack in the last century… We used to have a range of products to control this fungus, but those have been withdrawn in the EU while they remain allowed in countries like Japan, the United States and Australia,” Minguet said.
Minguet added that the remaining single family of fungicides is now ineffective due to resistance. He also argued that many products have disappeared from the market not strictly for environmental reasons but because manufacturers do not invest in re-authorisation costs when patents expire.
José Pascual Fortea, responsible for AVA-ASAJA’s rice sector, warned that continued losses and low profitability may push farmers to abandon rice cultivation next year – a development that would also undermine the Albufera’s environmental functions, such as water filtration and wildfire prevention.
Why this matters: cultural, economic and environmental stakes
Traditional rice varieties like Bomba and Albufera are not only crops-they are part of the region’s cultural and gastronomic heritage, essential for authentic paella valenciana.The loss of these varieties could have ripple effects:
- Cultural loss: Reduced availability of traditional rice diminishes the authenticity of local dishes.
- Economic pain: Farmers face heavy yield losses and potential loss of income; local economies tied to rice and gastronomy could weaken.
- Environmental impact: Abandoned rice paddies would reduce the Albufera’s ecosystem services (water purification, biodiversity support, firebreaks).
AVA-ASAJA’s demands and proposed measures
The association is pressing both the Spanish government and the European Union for urgent changes:
- Modify the authorization system for active substances to allow access to effective fungicides and issue exceptional emergency permits.
- Create a special line of financial aid for rice growers affected by piricularia.
- extend and adapt crop insurance to cover real losses caused by piricularia and other pathogens.
Speedy summary: varieties, damage and recommendations
| Rice Variety | Reported impact | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bomba | Up to 75% loss (very high) | Key for paella valenciana; nearly gone in affected fields |
| Albufera | Up to 75% loss (very high) | Locally important; heavy damage reported in Albufera park |
| J. Sendra | Increasingly affected | Less sensitive than Bomba/Albufera but now under threat |
Immediate recommendations for policymakers
- fast-track emergency authorisations for effective fungicides, while ensuring environmental safeguards.
- Establish targeted compensations and support measures for affected rice growers.
- Support research into resistant rice varieties and integrated pest management suited to the Albufera ecosystem.
- Revise crop insurance schemes to reflect real pathogen-driven losses.
What farmers fear next
AVA-ASAJA warns of a domino effect: first the disappearance of traditional varieties, then the exit of many rice farmers. The association highlighted that some plots could be left fallow next year if profitability evaporates – transforming cultivated wetlands into abandoned fields and diminishing the Albufera’s role as a natural filter and fire buffer.
Bottom line
The piricularia outbreak has escalated into a crisis for Valencian rice, swinging at the heart of regional gastronomy and rural livelihoods. Farmers urgently ask for regulatory versatility, effective plant protection tools and financial support to save traditional rice varieties and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them.
Sources and credits
Report based on coverage by La Razón and statements from AVA-ASAJA representatives.