On the same day that Maltese society commemorates a religious and cultural event, Gozo holds an additional one, that of celebrating its agricultural identity. This was the fourth agrarian show I have attended since becoming Gozo Minister and each time I am taken aback by the dedication and commitment that the participants in this sector exhibit.

It is interesting to recall that this particular show first took place over 160 years ago and has been held annually since then, except during the war years. This fact alone proves the importance that those involved in the agriculture sector give to this event and has become an occasion in which Gozo celebrates part of its cultural and agrarian identity.

This year was no exception. Well over 4500 exhibits were on display and the event attracted thousands of visitors. The range of products on display also demonstrated the extent to which the agricultural presence is interlinked with the social fabric of the Gozitan community. This is why the Ministry for Gozo attaches such great importance to this annual exhibition, as it strongly believes that agriculture has a great potential to develop further and continue contributing to the development of the Island.

While some have shed doubt on the long-term sustainability of this sector claiming that it was destined to die a natural death, we beg to differ. First and foremost, I believe that the agrarian sector is important for our Island. Its importance cannot be measured by the direct contribution to the local economy in terms of value added or full-time employment. It goes far beyond this. Its importance assumes significance when one considers the indirect impact and more so, when the non-economic dimensions are factored in.

These non-economic factors are what keep the numerous people involved in the agrarian sector going. It is not only financial rewards that matter to them. Instead, it is their way of staying close to the natural environment of the Island. It is a way of preserving and maintaining that part of Gozo that is priceless and deserves to be preserved for generations to come. Those that are involved in this know that the hours they put in as part of the often hard work, plays a fundamental role in keeping Gozo’s identity alive.

However, there is also another category of people that work in the agriculture sector full time and is their main source of income. For those, the satisfaction of knowing that they are doing something noble might not be enough. They need to make end meets and having financial rewards from their work is the only satisfactory motive to continue doing it.

For this latter category, the Ministry for Gozo has undertaken several initiatives and launched various schemes over the last two years.

Last year, it helped to establish the Gozitan Confederation for Agriculture and Fisheries, which aids in the coordination of efforts of the players in the sector. In that same year, the Ministry also introduced the Gozo Fodder Scheme whereby farmers and breeders can get aid to help with the costs of transporting grain to Gozo. The slaughter house was finally re-organised and re-developed, saving farmers’ time and energy transporting animals to Malta.

Most of the time, attention tends to focus on tourism arrivals, hotels and restaurants, and investment in sectors with high technological inputs. This comes almost naturally to observers and policy-makers. However, we know that our tourism sector is highly dependent on the agrarian presence which not only offers a unique presence but is fundamentally essential to maintain a healthy natural environment and to provide these outlets with fresh produce. It is worthwhile remembering that 40 per cent of the island is land under cultivation. 

All those involved in the primary sector are actors pursuing economic development with a special social and environmental contribution to our Island. Based on this belief, we are committed to continue supporting and sustaining this sector to help it grow and generate opportunities, both directly and indirectly to Gozitan youths. There is potential for this sector not only when looking at traditional methods but more so through the employment of more modern agricultural and horticultural processes.

 

Dr Refalo is the Minister for Gozo