An initiative known as 'Żomm Tarmix' has been launched with goals in favour of social justice and against food waste, the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights said on Monday.
The Ministry said that Prime Minister Robert Abela described the initiative as an important one intended to combat food waste, with the principle of social justice in order to help people live in good health, as well as the principle of sustainability by ensuring the best use of the country's resources, with an emphasis on the environment.
The Malta Food Agency will be bringing businesses that donate food together, with the food then being given to voluntary organisations, the Ministry stated, as it added that the initiative will be on the government's digital framework at tarmix.gov.mt. With this framework, the Ministry continued, efficiency will be improved, transparency will be increased, and food waste will be reduced while also fostering a circular economy model in Malta. It added that the benefactors, being the businesses, will be able to qualify for tax reduction incentives.
Prime Minister Abela spoke of the importance of food supply, which he said is an aspect that has been felt more during the pandemic and in the face of current geopolitical challenges around the world. The Ministry said that Abela also spoke of other goals of this initiative, such as reaching more people through the distribution of food by voluntary organisations as well as the sale of food products at reduced prices. The Prime Minister also spoke of how this initiative will reward participating businesses which are not only interested in profits, but also recognise that they have a social role.
Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo also spoke about the initiative, regarding which he said that the government will be facilitating coordination between businesses and voluntary organisations "in order to ensure the best use of food and reduce waste at the same time". He continued that he is convinced that businesses will give their full share to make the initiative a success. "The government is taking concrete action and strengthening social justice at the same time, as we promised in the electoral manifesto."
Refalo commented that this strategy will not only reduce waste, but also help Maltese and Gozitan families obtain quality products at more reasonable prices.
The Ministry said that the digital platform utilised by the initiative will provide a transparent and efficient mechanism for the distribution of food to be done effectively and ensure that aid reaches those who need it. It added that voluntary organisations will be able to register via e-ID.
It stated that food waste goes against the principles of social justice, and that therefore this initiative is part of the government's efforts to reduce food waste and encourage economic and social sustainability. It added that Malta will be among the countries making concrete advances in the implementation of the circular economy model, where products are used to benefit the community instead of being thrown away.
The Ministry concluded that an agreement was signed between the Malta Food Agency, social partners, and voluntary organisations regarding the 'Żomm Tarmix' scheme.