Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries Frans Agius yesterday said that structural funds from the EU to the agricultural sector had increased from Lm0.643 million in 2002 to Lm7.6 million last year.

Dr Agius was speaking during an agricultural exhibition that took place in Gozo during the Santa Marija feast.

Dr Agius said that structural funds from the European Union in 2002 amounted to Lm0.643 million and this covered six measures, five of which were for the animal breeding sector.

He added that this assistance increased to Lm7.6 million in 2005, covering 20 measures in all, 10 of which covered the sectors of milk, pork and poultry. The other 10 measures, covered by Lm3.94 million in structural funds, involved the fruit and vegetables, tomatoes and wine sectors.

He said that together with this assistance, one must also consider the investment being undertaken thanks to the European Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Dr Agius explained that the investments are producing good results for the farming industry, but also for consumers who are benefiting from quality local products. So much so, that a recent survey conducted by Misco shows that 90 per cent of consumers are choosing local products.

Together with this investment, the government is reforming the fruit and vegetable market. An investment of more than Lm588,000 was undertaken through the Fifth Italian Protocol. Among other developments, associations for producers were formed for the first time ever in Malta, among which an association by the name of Gozitano. Through this association, members will be benefiting from European funding in a few weeks time and, by means of such associations, farmers will be able to promote their product on the market in a direct way.

Two other associations were also formed for producers of tomato processing. This year, 10.5 tonnes of tomatoes will be bought from farmers for processing – an increase of three million kilos of tomatoes over 2005, said Dr Aguis.

He concluded that the Maltese products are preferred due to the fact that they are fresh, quality products which form part of the Mediterranean diet, said to be the best food for our health.