Some perspective indeed!

The headlines on international news sources such as BBC, CNN and Al Jazeera, among others, are dominated by the problems being faced by countries like Greece that are on the brink of economic collapse and, moreover, the impact on banks across the international economy should Greece default. We also hear of the problems that will be faced by countries larger than Greece, such as Spain and Italy.

The leaders of the 20 most important economies in the world met in Cannes and discussed the crisis that is being faced because Greek governments have been overspending for 50 years. In Greece itself, Prime Minister Giorgios Papandreou surprised everyone by proposing a referendum, as a result of which markets plummeted. Mr Papandreou’s deputy and Finance Minister was rushed to hospital suffering from acute stress, following which he stated that Greece should take action immediately rather than wait around for a referendum that is unlikely to pass.

The idea that a large and cautious country can save the world from this crisis is but a dream. China has many reserves and savings, yet, despite many forecasts that China may loan the money to Greece, there are concerns in China that, should it bail out Greece, it might end up suffering losses, as may happen to the banks that provided Greece with loans.

In the midst of such concerns, the world economy is facing another recession. This is why countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China and India – none of which form part of the eurozone – are insisting on a swift solution. And while the world is teetering on the brink, in Malta we are discussing whether Arriva is doing enough to live up to our expectations for an improved transport system. Most governments would be envious of a problem such as Arriva rather than face the possibility of economic collapse or the measures that must be taken to prevent it – November 4.

Injecting life into three derelict farms

In the coming days, restoration works will begin on three farmhouses in Buskett that have long been abandoned. The three farms – Ir-Razzett tal-Bagħal, Ir-Razzett tal-Ispirtu and Ir-Razzett tal-Bosk – were built between 1636 and 1657 under Grand Master Lascaris.

Buskett offers a unique ecosystem that incorporates rare habitats and species. It is protected by a number of policies and was also scheduled as a Grade 1 site in 1996. It is therefore important that people be more aware of this. To assist in delivering such information to the public, it was agreed that Ir-Razzett tal-Bagħal, the largest of the three, should serve as a visitors’ interpretation centre. In turn, Ir-Razzett tal-Ispirtu will serve as a base for rangers, who will be taking care of the park, and also to exhibit local agricultural produce. Ir-Razzett tal-Bosk will host small groups and meetings regarding biodiversity or rural sciences.

The project is estimated to cost more that half a million euros, with 90 per cent of the expenses to be covered by EU funds. The first farmhouse is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. Through this investment, not only will we be giving greater value to our cultural heritage but also increasing the touristic potential of the area – November 3.

Safeguarding the consumer

Over the past months, we have strengthened the collaboration between a number of government entities to better enforce the controls on food that is imported for processing in our country. This is to ensure the standards and quality of every product that reaches the consumer. Food products that do not meet the required standards upon inspection will be returned and destroyed. While the government must ensure competition within a free market, we are also committed to stopping abuse so that consumers’ health is safeguarded.

This work is being implemented in coordination with the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, with the participation of the Customs Office, the Department of Environmental Health and the Department for Veterinary Services within my ministry and with the assistance of the police.

Those who produce food from local sources invest heavily to ensure that the production establishment and the handling of food takes place according to European standards and procedures. It is therefore appropriate that whoever invests is not at a disadvantage, competing against inferior products that are imported abusively, ultimately to the detriment of the consumer.

This leads me to another argument regarding labelling. Although there are EU obligations regarding labelling, in my opinion such labelling does not provide sufficient information for consumers to make an informed decision regarding their purchase. For example, if I buy chicken or pork that has been injected with large amounts of water, as a consumer I have the right to know this rather than purchase a product that I might assume is local, where such practices do not exist – November 2.

A commissioner ready to listen

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to accompany the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Dacian Ciolos during an intense day of meetings and visits. I explained to Mr Ciolos the peculiarities of Maltese agriculture and how these offer specific challenges to our farmers. He could see this for himself during a helicopter tour during which he could understand better our arguments regarding the size of our country and, in turn, our farms.

It was satisfying to note his understanding, particularly through his comments to the press during a visit to a dairy farm in San Ġwann, where he remarked that the primary challenge in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy is that the realities such as those faced by Malta need to be addressed.

During our official talks, I explained to Mr Ciolos that Malta agrees with certain instruments that are being proposed as part of the CAP reforms, including those for small farms and young farmers.

These are particularly relevant for Malta, where for every farmer under 35 there are 10 farmers over the age of 55! The commissioner’s visit also included positive meetings with representatives of the agricultural sector.

In the coming months we will continue to work towards ensuring that the CAP is reformed to address our needs.

This is important not just for the sector itself but because, as I explained to Mr Ciolos yesterday, every cent invested in Maltese agriculture is also an investment in the environment. Abandoned land is a loss for the countryside and a loss for the environment around us – October 30.

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The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.