A parcel of land measuring around 126,000 square meters - equivalent to about 18 football fields - that had been indicated for industrial development in Bulebel will remain agricultural land, the government said.
"This reflects the Government's commitment, as also stated in the Malta 2050 Vision, to strike a balance between commercial interests and the natural heritage," it said.
Through an agreement signed on Monday, this land has officially been transferred from INDIS to the Lands Authority, in the presence of the Minister for Lands and Implementation of the Electoral Program Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and the Minister for Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri.
"Through this agreement, land covering 126,065 square meters - equivalent to more than 112 tumoli or the size of around 18 football fields - will remain available for Maltese farmers to continue producing local products. The agreement provides for the transfer of this land, previously under INDIS, back to the Lands Authority so that it remains designated as agricultural land. Apart from its agricultural value, the land also holds cultural value due to the potential for archaeological remains in the area. The agreement was reached through full collaboration between the two Ministries to ensure a better future for Malta's land and environment," the government said in its statement.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this step shows the Government's continued commitment to safeguarding Malta's rural character and helps to strengthen food security. "The Lands Authority will retain this land for agricultural use. Even though it had been identified for industrial purposes, the agreement between INDIS and the Lands Authority ensures it will be used for agriculture in the future," Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi concluded.
On his part, Minister Silvio Schembri said this is a government that delivers on its promises. Although a key challenge we face is the need for land for industry, we understand the need to strike a balance. Today, INDIS Malta transferred over 112 tumoli of land in Bulebel to the Lands Authority to continue being used for agricultural purposes. Inspired also by the Malta 2050 Vision statement, we want a resilient and secure country, inspired by our heritage and driven by progress that leads to a healthy quality of life for all."
This land in Bulebel will now be managed by the Lands Authority to ensure the continuation of agricultural production, "with fair rent reflecting today's economic realities."