Farmers said yesterday that the agricultural sector, which is so important to the local economy, should not be politicised and urged politicians to seek consensus on this sector.
Farmers’ Association executive secretary Louie Naudi explained in detail the hardship farmers encounter in order to deliver their high quality produce, without the excessive use of chemicals. He said that Maltese politicians should acknowledge these efforts by seeking consensus on the sector.
Mr Naudi said the agricultural sector is at a crossroads. He said farmers want to start negotiations with the government on a revision of the
current subsidy system. Replying to a question by The Malta Independent, he said local farmers received around e7 million a year in subsidies.
He also spoke about the need for a one-stop-shop in order that farmers can settle their bills and ask for assistance on any queries they have, all in one place. This would save them a lot of time running around from one office to the other, completing forms and getting papers signed and stamped.
Replying to another question from The Malta Independent, Mr Naudi said that in recent months, farmers’ direct costs have increased considerably. He said 22 per cent of their expenses goes on water, electricity and diesel.
The new rules brought about by Malta’s adhesion to the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy have increased the hardship to farmers, said Mr Naudi. Moreover, he said, these new rules and regulations should have been introduced gradually, after farmers had received the necessary training and information. He said inspectors should be there to help farmers rather than to fine them for the breach of any rules.
Referring to producers’ organisations (POs), Mr Naudi said these are not producing the expected results, because some of the food processed by the POs still ends up in the government’s fruit and vegetable market.
He said the agricultural sector was important, which was why farmers expected a resolution in parliament, with which both parties agree, on the importance of the sector in Malta. Mr Naudi said that although statistics show that there are 6,000 farmers, the association insists that there are only around 500 full-time farmers.
Asked whether local produce is doing well, Mr Naudi said sales had increased but local people are not eating enough fruit and vegetables which, after all, are healthy products.