Labour was "insulting people's intelligence" in claiming that its 800-plus proposals would cost the country €300 million less than the Nationalist Party's more "realistic" list of 125 proposals, PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil said this morning.

Dr Busuttil also reiterated his belief that the PL had "copied" swathes of its manifesto from the PN equivalent, saying that "in some sections, even the wording is the same".

Speaking from within the sheltered environment of a Xemxija greenhouse, Dr Busuttil attacked Labour leader Joseph Muscat for having questioned the PN's cost estimates.

"It's a bit rich of Dr Muscat to question our cost estimates when he hasn't even presented his, apart from a global expenditure figure," he said.

Dr Muscat yesterday said the PN had based its cost estimates on unrealistic GDP growth forecasts.

Dr Busuttil also stuck to his guns when asked about his remark to PL candidate Deborah Schembri that she had "the face of a Nationalist".

"I did not insult Deborah Schembri. If Deborah felt offended I apologise, but I simply noted that once you remove the PL's glossy wrapper you'll find the Labour of old. Karmenu Vella first entered Parliament when I was seven years old," he said.

Dr Busuttil was speaking shortly after having been given a tour of a Xemxija greenhouse by a local farmer. Together with Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino and the PN candidates on the 12th district met with farmers, discussed their agricultural methods and use of EU funds and had a taste of some freshly-plucked tomatoes.

There are few major policy divergences between the two parties within the agricultural sector, with both parties' manifestos promising more specialised EU funding, an insurance scheme for farmers and a more concerted effort to brand and label Malta-made produce.