€29 million for farmers and herdsmen

Farmers and herdsmen will benefit from €29 million in aid from the EU this year, Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said yesterday.

The majority of the funds, €15 million, will go to those working in a disadvantaged zone. They are part of €100 million in funds that will be given to the sector between 2007 and 2013.

Speaking during a seminar for farmers, Mr Pullicino said the aid should help the sector remain sustainable and continue improving.

Despite the difficult times the global economy was going through, farmers and herdsmen were continuing to invest in their sector. "There is a sense of optimism that this sector can become sustainable," he said.

Registration for the funds open on Monday and continue until May 15 at the Pitkali vegetable market, Għammieri or the government's experimental farm in Xewkija.

Mr Pullicino said that, for the first time this year, those applying for funds would be able to see the progress of their application online.

The minister urged farmers to take part in activities to promote their produce, adding that the government was holding a monthly feast of local produce.