Maltese farming continues to die down, with sales decreasing by 9 per cent last year, the Nationalist party warned.

Pitkalija sales went down by 20 per cent in Malta and 35 per cent in Gozo last year, it added in a statement.

During a meeting with farming representatives, Nationalist party leader Adrian Delia said everyone would suffer if the farming industry died out, since there would not be any fresh Maltese produce.

During the meeting, various farmers’ representatives said farming needed to take priority in Maltese politics, the PN added.

"We want to help farmers because they have a lot to contribute to our economy and society," Dr Delia said. "In the last budget the government made it clear that farmers do not contribute to the economy," he added.

Watch: "Malta's agriculture will die unless…"

European regulations promoting Maltese produce were never used by the Maltese government, despite the regulation being in effect for over six years, the Nationalist Party said.

The PN proposed using European regulations to promote fresh Maltese produce and tapping into other European regulations to effectively market Maltese products abroad.

The PN said its proposals sought to help the industry by strengthening representative organisations with technical assistance.

The Nationalist party will be organising a meeting to explain their proposals. The first meeting will be held February 23 in Gozo and March 1 in Malta.