Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, together with Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, launched the AgriFair 2022 on Monday, a Fair that will see representatives from the agriculture and fisheries sectors, all under the same roof.
Speaking on Monday at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, where the fair is being held, Refalo said that the government would continue to provide support to these sectors, particularly as the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine continue to leave their mark.
“The fair will continue to strengthen the collaboration between the various entities who work in this crucial sector, while alos giving the public the unique opportinity to see with their eyes and touch with their hands that which the sector produces,” Refalo said.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said praised this initiative as through this event and similar ones, the Government is continuing to promote local produce. "At this Fair, one will find over 50 exhibitions including Governmental entities that will be showcasing some of the projects which the Ministry has worked on for the benefit of all Maltese and Gozitans." said Dr Bugeja Said.
Bugeja Said encouraged all those who can, to attend since, “We will be promoting and providing interesting informative sessions on sectors which are crucial to our country, such as the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.” The Parliamentary Secretary concluded by saying, “I would like to thank all the staff involved because with their dedication and commitment, we will be holding a Fair that is found on the basis of information, but it is an event that will surely be enjoyed by both adults and children.”
This Fair will be spread over three days and aims to promote the work of farmers, fishermen, government entities, businesses in the agri-food industry and other organizations by showing the public the wide array of services and products that are offered.
An explanation was given during the Conference that while continuing to preserve traditions, the Government aims to give a modern trend with an emphasis on technology, innovation, diversification and the educational aspect, through AgriFair 2022.
AgriFair will be an interactive platform that provides an opportunity for business networking, discussions and consultation on topics related to this sector, an exhibition of machinery, technological systems and methods as well as systems of agricultural production in a sustainable way. This activity will also offer a culinary experience of Maltese food through stands with chefs who cook Maltese products.
An exhibition of animals will be held in an arena set up for the occasion with both Maltese and foreign judges, as well as an exhibition of animals of Maltese indigenous breeds. There will also be craft demonstrations and tours will be organized on farms where one can experience and appreciate the agricultural work and production of Maltese food.
The Fair, with the concept of Farm-to-Fork, will start on Friday 20 May and end on Sunday 22 May, from 10am to 10pm, at MFCC, Ta 'Qali.