Democracy at work

I was very surprised to read that Joe Micallef took Noel Farrugia to task because he now endorses the EU view where agriculture is concerned. This simply manifests the lack of knowledge on Mr Micallef`s part of how democracy works.

Mr Farrugia, the Labour opposition spokesman for agriculture, is simply abiding by the tenets of his party which, prior to the last election, stated officially that if the people, through an election, choose the party opting for joining the EU then the Labour Party would accept the decision made through the plebiscite. That is basic for a democratic way of reasoning. If it is difficult for someone to convince himself that these things happen in democratic countries, I say that, democratically-speaking, one needs to attend nursery-level lessons on how democracy works.

I too was vehement in my arguments that EU regulations would be disastrous for the farming community. I know farmers are in muck. No I do not rejoice because I was proven right, but I am doing my utmost to learn together with farmers to swim in muck. We are at the early stages, but learning fast. The best way forward is for farmers to manage their business. They are the producers so they can do it. Indeed they must. How? They simply buy time and via strict controls can manage their sales direct or through salesmen. This is done in an organisation known as a Producer Organisation, which operates within a specific legal act. Aid from the EU is funnelled through POs. The wise farmers are already in, others are on the fence but will follow as soon as they see their colleagues reap the fruit of their unity. The example will be the strongest lobby.

I suggest to Mr Micallef to read the contribution by Massimo Farrugia (January 18) which provides a very good insight into what is happening in the agricultural sector, from the farm to the fork.