Labour wanted the best possible relations with farmers and the agricultural sector to grow, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this afternoon when he visited farmers in Buskett.

He said that one had to face the reality that Malta was in the EU and agreements would not be renegotiated but a level playing field which did not put Maltese farmers at a disadvantage in their own country had to be created.

A Labour government would have a person responsible for the sector and efforts would be make for the Maltese product to find itself in foreign markets.

Assistance would be provided to both full and part time farmers, especially young people and Labour would also help facilitate transfer of land. Farmers would also be given the possibility to apply for micro-invest schemes.

Direct assistance would be given to animal breeders and milk producers.

A Labour government would set up consultative councils for agriculture and fisheries where the stakeholders could talk about their respective sectors.