The government this week will publish revised regulations governing the classification of farmers and livestock breeders, with Prime Minister Robert Abela saying the changes will simplify procedures and ensure support is targeted at those who depend most on agriculture for their livelihood.
Speaking during a meeting with the Agriculture Consultative Council at Buskett, Abela said the amendments, approved by Cabinet, would create a fairer system by assessing farmers according to their declared income rather than simply the size of their agricultural holdings.
He said the revised framework would strengthen the legal system introduced last year, improve efficiency and allow the government to provide more tailored assistance to different categories of farmers.
Abela also announced that works on the long-promised Farmers' Market at Ta' Qali will begin in September. The project, which forms part of the government's electoral programme, is intended to provide dedicated facilities for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen while creating more opportunities for direct sales to consumers.
The market is also expected to give shoppers greater access to fresh local produce at affordable prices.
The Prime Minister said such initiatives would strengthen Malta's food supply, safeguard the country's agricultural heritage and protect the rural environment. However, he stressed that the government's priority remained improving the resilience of the sector and increasing farmers' incomes.
Abela highlighted a series of reforms introduced in recent years, including changes to agricultural land legislation, the modernisation of the Public Abattoir and reforms at the Pitkalija wholesale market.
He also pointed to the expansion of the New Water system, schemes aimed at improving access to agricultural land, grants to modernise farms and equipment, and financial support to help farmers cope with rising import costs.
As evidence of growth in the sector, Abela said sales of fruit and vegetables through the Pitkalija had increased from €21 million in 2021 to almost €28 million in 2025. He added that further investment was planned, including a new digital system, modern containers and upgraded facilities.
Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo, who also attended the meeting, announced that the government will launch a public awareness campaign in the coming weeks to promote olive cultivation and the production of olives and olive oil.
He said the initiative complements ongoing efforts to secure official Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for the endemic Maltese Bidni olive variety and the olive oil produced from it.
Before meeting the Agriculture Consultative Council, Abela visited the Vine Centre at Buskett, where he described viticulture as an important showcase for Maltese agriculture with strong economic potential.
He said the government intends to complete the Wine Museum in Żebbuġ, Gozo, during this legislature and open the Buskett Viticulture Centre to visitors as part of wider plans to develop wine tourism.
Abela said the government's long-term vision for agriculture is to shift the sector towards higher value-added production through innovation and integrated rural development, while pledging to maintain close dialogue with farmers and their representatives.