Dr Gonzi, together with PN secretary general Joe Saliba and a number of district candidates, visited a milk producing cow farm based in Rabat. The Nationalist Party’s delegation was welcomed by Brian Azzopardi, the owner of Azzopardi Dairy Farm, which has about 130 cows. In the last few years there has been strong investment in modern technology in this farm, by means of which the quality of the product has continued to improve, and production has increased.

The Prime Minister said that it is thanks to this kind of investment made in Azzopardi Dairy Farm that farmers can remain competitive and improve the quality of their product while becoming more efficient. Dr Gonzi emphasised the importance of having a product of the best quality and that the Maltese product is always increasing in popularity among local consumers.

Dr Gonzi also said the government is conscious of the challenges that farmers are facing and for this reason he remains determined to continue helping this sector. He also praised the farmers’ entrepreneurial spirit and said that the investment made by of them is also a result of the assistance the European Union is giving.

He appealed to farmers to understand the need for investment in modern technology so as to be able to produce more, and said: “It is by means of investment, that farmers can reduce the work load whilst increasing production. The government is conscious of the fact that one of the main challenges this sector is facing is coming from the increase of international prices of maize that is without doubt having an effect on this industry, however farmers can look ahead with faith and optimism in the way this industry is developing and it will surely benefit from the opportunities that are being created.”