Applications for subsidy on barley and maize to be used as fodder in the agricultural sector will be issued today and close on Monday, agriculture parliamentary secretary Francis Agius said yesterday. The rate of subsidy will be as high as in January-June this year – EUR30 per ton, he added.

The ministry of agriculture and the ministry of finance had considered the latest developments on the international markets for fodder. The subsidy will apply only for the agricultural sector, Dr Agius emphasised.

Finance parliamentary secretary Tonio Fenech said the markets for fodder were affected by the demand for bio-fuel and the drought in the Ukraine and other countries, which had led to higher prices.

The subsidy should help fowl, eggs, pork and milk to remain competitive.