Gozo Minister Anton Refalo yesterday inaugurated an agrarian display in the Villa Rundle public gardens to commemorate Santa Marija.

The display is organised annually by the Agricultlura, Industrial and cultural society in Gozo during the Santa Marija feast between the 13 and 15 August.

This year the society is celebrating the 160 year since the annual display was first conceived back in 1855, held at a Gozo primary school.

Minister Refalo said the display showcases the genuine and freshest produce by Gozitan farmers and villagers.

He said the display offers windows into what Gozo has to offer, as farmers display their best produce.

The Minister said this traditional display is of great importance to Gozo, as it shows that the agricultural sector has great potential on the island, despite many saying the sector is dying a natural death.

He mentioned that a number of initiatives and schemes have been undertaken in the past months in order to incentivise farmers, such as the setting up of the Gozitan confederation of agricultural and fishing.

This confederation views and promotes farmers and fishermen as entrepreneurs and protagonists in primary economic development, as well as recognising the social and environmental importance of their contribution.

The Minister said the fodder scheme offers animal breeders and farmers support in the costs incurred in transporting animal fodder to Gozo.

This shows a clear commitment to continuing the growth of the agricultural sector in Gozo, which generates jobs and economic growth, Minister Refalo said.

The slaughterhouse in Gozo is being used in a more efficient manner, leading to greater quality in the product being bought by housewives, the Minister said.

Inconvenience to both animal breeders and the animals themselves has been greatly reduced, as the animals no longer have to be transported to the slaughter house in Malta, he said.

This has also reduced the inconvenience to users of the Gozo Channel ferry who encounter the animals being transported.

Minister Refalo heaped praise on the display’s organising committee and encouraged the public to attend.

Gozo Bishop Mons Mario Grech blessed the display.