Rice has been grown in the province of Cuneo only since the early 1990s. It is produced exclusively as seed for the extensive rice fields of Vercelli where, for reasons related to GMOs and pesticides, this practice is severely hampered. The rice fields in the Cuneo area are located in the municipalities of Barge, Saluzzo, Savigliano, Bra and Genola, and occupy approximately 180 hectares. Sowing takes place in the second half of April, with partial flooding of the land and processing after which the tanks are completely flooded, in which the water remains until mid-June. During this period, treatments with herbicides are carried out in dry conditions. Rice flowers around mid-August and is harvested in September-October. Location 1 - Crocera di Barge: the rice fields are located along the SP n. 589 between Saluzzo and Cavour, at the height of the Crocera hamlet. In the area there are approximately 90 hectares of rice; from Saluzzo the first basins are visible along the provincial road, on the left, before the town of Crocera. Just past the town, on the right, the municipal road Potere Devesio leads after a few hundred meters to other rice fields, often home to interesting species of waders. 2 - Bra: the rice fields can be reached from Sanfrè, between Bra and Carmagnola (SP n.661). From Bra, at the first traffic light in Sanfrè, turn left for the cemetery and then continue along the asphalt road which, after about 1 km, rising, runs alongside a canal on the left. Here, after a few dozen meters, a deviation to the left goes down onto a dirt road that leads to the basins through the fields. The car can be parked at the first farmhouse. 3 - Riva di Bra: from Bra, along the provincial road to Cavallermaggiore, you reach the hamlet of Riva, where you turn right for the hamlet of Falchetto and then to the Case del Bosco area. The rice fields are at the height of the T-shaped electric line that crosses the road, on the right and a little further down. 4 - Savigliano: from the SS n. 20 between Centallo and Savigliano, in the center of the town of Levaldigi, turn off for Fossano. Once out of the town, go along the fence of the Cuneo airport on the right and after a few hundred meters, on the left, the tanks appear. It is possible to park a little further on, in the direction of Fossano, on the left and in front of the clearly visible White Stork nest located on the electric line. Continuing towards Fossano and just before the hamlet of Sant'Antonio Baligio (Fossano), on the left a turnoff for Genola (Str. Comunale della Garaita) leads, after a few kilometers, to other rice fields. Practical information In order to avoid conflicts with rice growers and other farmers, it is strongly recommended to park the car carefully, keeping in mind that the roads that serve the rice fields and the accesses to the plots are often narrow and frequented by agricultural vehicles. Furthermore, it is advisable not to drive along the banks of the basins to avoid damaging them. In order to make good observations, the use of a telescope is obviously essential.