Vercelli, 18 September 2025 – The first edition of Risò – International Rice Festival concluded with extraordinary success. From 12 to 14 September, Vercelli was transformed into the European capital of rice. Over 70,000 visitors, nine European Ministers and Agricultural Delegates, together with representatives from the FAO and the European Commission, confirmed Italy’s leadership in the rice sector.
During the international conference “The Future of the EU Rice Sector: A Common Strategy”, EURice was established — the European alliance of rice producers, aimed at strengthening the sector’s position.
“Italy is Europe’s leading rice producer and was proud to host this festival,” said Minister Francesco Lollobrigida. “EURice will be an alliance that helps us gain greater influence in Europe and protect our leadership in quality.”
Risò had a remarkable tourism and promotional impact, thanks to the collaboration with ENIT: the campaign in Milan and Turin train stations and on social media reached over 5 million people. The feature on italia.it highlighted six themed tours across the Land of Rice and the Borghi delle Vie d’Acqua (Waterways Villages), visited by more than 10,000 people during the Fuori Festival.
According to Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region,
“Risò successfully combined the pride of a centuries-old culture with the ability to attract professionals and institutions, earning its place among the major international events dedicated to quality food.”
The Village, set up in Piazza Antico Ospedale over 13,000 square metres, welcomed Italian and international visitors, including the youth team of FC Dynamo Kyiv. The true stars of the event were Italian producers, ambassadors of the rice supply chain, who showcased the versatility of rice as both an agricultural product and a symbol of cultural identity.
“Risò was an opportunity to promote our producers and discuss future strategies for the sector,” said Paolo Bongioanni, Regional Councillor for Agriculture. The B2B meetings organised by Ceipiemonte and ICE Agency facilitated over 500 meetings between international buyers and Piedmontese companies.
For Davide Gilardino, President of the Province of Vercelli,
“we made the dream of an entire community come true — with 70,000 visitors in Vercelli and 10,000 in the Borghi delle Vie d’Acqua. It proves that we can attract attention by focusing on our local excellence.”
Roberto Scheda, Mayor of Vercelli, highlighted the cultural events that enriched the festival, such as the lecture by historian Professor Alessandro Barbero and the conference with the University of Eastern Piedmont dedicated to the mondine (rice field workers).
According to Natalia Bobba, President of the National Rice Authority,
“Risò represented a key opportunity to bring together European producers and protect rice from unfair competition, while promoting its quality.”
With a significant economic and tourism impact on the Vercelli area, Risò has proven to be a strategic investment for the future of both the territory and the rice supply chain. Preparations are already underway for the next edition, with the goal of making the festival an annual international event — one that combines innovation, tradition, and identity, strengthening the role of Piedmont and Vercelli as the heart of European rice.
