PM meets farmers

The warm sunshine yesterday morning proved ideal for the Prime Minister to tour the fields of Żebbiegħ.

As he popped a couple of broad beans into his mouth - remarking on their excellent flavour - he declared he would not mind spending the entire day there and let Nationalist Party general secretary Joe Saliba stand in for him at the rest of yesterday's political events.

Enormous strawberries, bright red tomatoes and other juicy vegetables were displayed for Dr Gonzi to admire.

Emerging from a glasshouse, he said farming was one of the most important sectors in Malta's economic activity because the livelihood of a lot of Maltese families depended on it and it was important for consumers. Farming was also important for tourism. The Maltese countryside was an integral part of the country's environment, which was one of the challenges his party was pledging to address. Dr Gonzi said Maltese farmers seemed to be up to date with technological progress and made the most of technology to get the best from their land. Following Malta's EU membership, farmers were benefiting from aid which helped them improve their products and become more competitive.

"We have good products which are fresh. There is nothing better than fresh local produce."

The Prime Minister said the passion farmers had for what they produce and for their land was the secret of their success and the government was committed to continue helping them make the best use of EU funds.

He said breeders were facing new challenges because of the rising prices of cereals, which needed to be imported. The government understood these challenges and had been looking at how to help.