Italian Farmers Plant Less Wheat Amidst Price Fixing Allegations

Italian farmers have planted around 25% less durum wheat this winter, according to the Coldiretti farmers' union.

Farmers are upset by the low domestic prices being paid by the country's pasta makers, despite retail pasta prices rising.

With everybody in Italy from the Prime Minister downwards accused of assorted underhand practices, it is no surprise to hear that farm leaders are accusing the nation's pasta makers of price fixing.

In October the Lazio regional administrative court upheld fines totalling 12.5 million euros slapped on 26 pasta producers for creating a cartel with the aim of stifling competition and driving up prices.

Last month, Italian tax police raided the headquarters of Italy's biggest pasta makers looking for evidence to further support price-fixing charges.