The agreement for the new producers’ association is a positive and important step towards the sustainability of farmers and local agriculture, said Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino yesterday.

Mr Pullicino was present at the signing of the new agreement setting up the producers’ association called “Ta’ Qali Producers’ Group”.

The agreement was signed by Rural Affairs and Environment permanent secretary Philip von Brockdorff, Ta’ Qali Producers’ Group chairman Peter Axisa, secretary Joseph Farrugia and coordinator Saviour Gauci.

“The new producers’ association is part of the government’s integral plan to help all local farmers handle new competition,” said Mr Pullicino.

The association has been helped by EU funds and given priority in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, said Mr Pullicino.

In the near future, the government will announce the new EU initiatives for the producers’ association, said parliamentary secretary Frans Agius.

“It is extremely positive that the Ta’ Qali Producers’ Group has been formally recognised by the government,” said Mr Axisa. “It will not only help local farmers but benefit the local agricultural sector.”

Mr Axisa also made reference to other future initiatives that will lead to the restructuring of the agricultural sector.