The Kumitat ghall-Harsien Rurali ta’ Ghajn Tuffieha (Committee for Rural Conservation in Ghajn Tuffieha) has expressed its concern that the proposed new development zones will deprive a large number of farmers of their land and livelihood.

The Committee said it wanted to change the false concept that the farmer is just a temporary guardian of the land, until a speculator or developer wants that land for his or her own individual gain.

“We feel strongly that it is high time farmers and their representative associations (national associations, cooperatives, producers’ groups etc.) come together to voice their concerns and protect the farmer from further abuse,” said the committee.

“The farmer has just as much right to earn a living as the speculator does.

“A sound and thriving agricultural industry is of benefit to everyone,” it concluded.