Malta is going to send 468 tonnes of ware potatoes to Namibia, "in an act of solidarity which will yield an opportunity for the longterm benefit of both countries," a government statement read.

After issuing an expression of interest for the provision of 500 tonnes of ware potatoes to address the food crisis in Namibia, the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs has received three compliant offers for a total of 468 tonnes.

The main criteria were that the ware potatoes must be locally grown, not imported, and that local farmers were paid not less than 0.30c per kilo for their produce.

Thus, the Ministry bought the whole lot for the price of €187,200, of which €140,400 or 75% of the allocated funds will be going directly to the local farmers who supplied the crop to the exporters.

This shipment is now ready to depart Malta Free Port this Monday and is expected to arrive in Namibia during the last week of August.

"Under the Solidarity Malta heading, this initiative by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, supported by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights and Trade Malta, is being done through the Overseas Development Aid Fund," the statement read.

"This act of solidarity with Namibia, which underwent a severe drought exacerbated by the spread of COVID-19, is expected to help around half a million persons."

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo held that this mutually beneficial initiative is just the start of a strengthened relationship between Malta and Namibia which would lead onto other areas of cooperation and potential trade.

On his part, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo held that while this initiative is one of solidarity, it will open up new opportunities tomorrow to establish a new niche for local agricultural produce and be of longterm benefit for local farmers.