VAT Reduction on Oysters Proposed by Agriculture Minister

Rome: Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida expressed his intention on Tuesday to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) rate on oysters, aiming to make the product more accessible to a broader range of consumers.

According to Ansa News Agency, Lollobrigida emphasized the goal of lowering the VAT on oysters to mitigate prices and allow more people to afford this product, which he believes should not be considered a luxury. He highlighted that oysters are a “healthy product that comes from the precious work of fish farmers” and have the potential to “create wealth,” as he spoke at an oyster tasting event at the Senate.

Lollobrigida also addressed the impact of the blue crab species on local fisheries, stating, “In this way, we will save fishermen hit by the blue crab.” The invasive blue crab has caused significant damage to the clam-farming industries in the regions of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, creating an emergency situation in the Po River delta.