The agriculture sector contributes around three per cent to the GDP and, therefore, deserved far more respect and attention than it got, according to Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo.

Speaking during a press conference at Xewkija, Dr Vassallo said that in order to gauge the economic importance of agriculture, one has only to realise that the construction industry contributes around four per cent to five per cent of GDP.

Traditional and new produce such as processed food and organic products require marketing and management skills which farmers may not be able to command on their own.

"Apart from growing produce and rearing animals the farmer must be able to offer services connected with agri-tourism which can add significantly to his income".

"It would be indeed a shame if these opportunities are lost or are left to be taken up by others and not by the farmers themselves," Dr Vassallo said.