The government yesterday renewed its commitment to the production and processing of tomatoes when it announced the rates of financial assistance to farmers for this year.

The aim of the sector in 2008 would be to reach a production level of 11,000 tonnes, primarily due to an increase in production efficiency, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said.

The 2007 subsidy that is being distributed this month should reach about €1.4 million (Lm600,000), he said.

Mr Pullicino was speaking at the opening of a seminar for farmers who produce tomatoes, where he said the sector would remain important to the country.

In contrast to what the opposition has said, the tomato processing offered possibilities for farmers and processors, Mr Pullicino said.

In 2008, farmers who cultivate tomatoes for processing would be receiving €15.38 (Lm6.60) for every 100 kg in coupled aid and another payment of about €3.45 (Lm1.48) for every 100 kg of decoupled aid. In the case of the latter, the total subsidy for 2008 would be equivalent to €18.64 (Lm8) for every 100 kg, Mr Pullicino explained.