Dr Vassallo expressed AD’s regret that this successful experiment in organic agriculture is being threatened by unsustainable development in the Kalkara Valley.“AD, as an active member of the Front Insalvaw il-Wied tal-Kalkara, has always supported the people of Kalkara, the local council and the Kalkara parish in their bid to save the valley. We hope that legal proceedings initiated by the local council will bear fruit. It is most unfortunate that instead of backing this new beginning in Maltese agriculture, the government is sanctioning its destruction.”

“This project, initiated under the auspices of the EU’s Leonardo Programme, involves farmers and environmentalists from Cyprus, Italy, Malta and Greece. The Malta Organic Agriculture Movement (MOAM) is also involved. We are preparing two manuals, one for farmers and one for trainers of organic farmers. This shows our commitment to the future of organic farming in Malta.”

Prof. Cassola spoke about the growing importance of organic and biological farming in Europe.

“Food safety is one of the major issues of the European Green Party. European consumers are using their power by refusing genetically modified and adulterated food and opting for organic food. Malta, which cannot compete with other European countries in terms of intensive farming, can find its niche in quality organic produce.