A pessimistic attitude will not be of any use. The statement noted that milk production has not stopped, as some people had feared. Instead, people now have the choice between fresh milk and milk that is full of additives that allow it to remain on the shelf for six months.

In its EU negotiations, the

government was aware of the potential of the agriculture sector. Funds and financial support must be used to their full extent to build a solid basis for the future, the statement continued. To create this, an analysis of the

present situation is necessary.

Although the agriculture sector only amounts to three per cent of the GDP, it would be a mistake to think that the economy cannot sustain this industry.

The number of those working full-time in the sector is continually falling and niche markets and opportunities must be sought to create a sustainable industry, said the DOI.

The agriculture sector is being challenged by cheap products from developing countries, but farmers must be motivated to invest in the sector for economic and environmental reasons.

One important factor is that Maltese products are free from pesticides and additives and are therefore organic. This means that they come at a lower cost.

Agro-tourism is a niche market that has not been studied sufficiently seriously yet, the statement continued. Rural funds can be used to restore farmhouses and create attractions for tourists. For example, they can see how wine is made and how fishing is carried out in Malta, claimed the DOI.

The statement concluded that the answer to a sustainable agriculture industry lies in making Maltese products as good as they can be and using them to the country’s advantage.