A process to enhance and consolidate control systems in organic farming has been embarked upon by the Agriculture Department in a new bid to encourage organic farming.

The process will be through a legal framework that will help to cut down on the risks of fraud and protect operators and consumers, Environment Minister Leo Brincat said.

Replying to parliamentary questions by Nationalist MP Toni Bezzina, Mr Brincat  said the Agriculture Directorate had taken various initiatives to establish a solid foundation for organic farming to operate in the most effective and efficient ways.

These initiatives included consultation meetings to explain EU rules for the sector and training for departmental inspectors.

The minister said that farmers wishing to convert to organic farming could apply to benefit from aid schemes under the new Rural Development Programme.

Mr Brincat said there were currently 10 organic farmers in Malta and one in Gozo.

The total area of land certified as organic was 121 tumoli in Malta and 35 tumoli in Gozo. Another 156 tumoli was the process of certification.

 

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