Recently, the main three producer organisations (PO) that supply tomatoes for processing together with Gozitan based processors, Magro Brothers, held seminars for their Maltese and Gozitan farmer members. A large number of farmers attended the two seminars, one in Gozo and another in Malta. Various aspects regarding the cultivation of tomatoes for processing were covered.

The main topic was, however, the Tuta Absoluta. This pest, which made its first appearance in the Maltese Islands a few months ago, attacks plants of the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines, although the possibility exists that other vegetables could be also affected. This pest attacks the stems and leaves of the plant resulting in a reduction in the quantity of fruit and vegetables harvested.

Since this insect has a high rate of reproduction, all farmers feel that all Maltese and Gozitans farmers who grow all forms of produce should make a national and collective effort to eradicate this pest. All POs and other farmers` organisations on the islands should support these efforts, and the government should introduce all the necessary measures as soon as possible. Such measures should include the mass destruction of the male pest through traps, protecting the greenhouses with a very fine net through which the insect cannot pass and a more effective control on the importation of plantlets, vegetables and fruits.

Magro Brothers announced that next season it would be increasing substantially the price paid to farmers for their produce. The majority of farmers welcomed the company’s announcement and expressed their intention of increasing production. Farmers just starting out who were invited to attend also showed interest in applying for new quotas for the 2010 season.

The three POs that supply tomatoes to Magro Brothers have an extensive programme of activities, and various information meetings and technical seminars will be organised in the coming weeks on the various aspects of integrated pest management, which should contribute to a higher degree of success in the local cultivation of tomatoes for processing.