The Pig Breeders' Association has welcomed proposals by Mepa regarding Outside Development Zones, including limited development for agro-tourism.

"The proposals show an understanding that the fear and risk of urbanisation of Malta’s rural areas must be balanced against the need to allow continued development of agricultural holdings," the association said.

"Without viable agricultural enterprise there would be no countryside as we know it," the association said.

The association said it was pleased to note that  unused buildings within farm holdings could be put to alternative uses, allowing the many farmers who have had to reduce their agricultural output to continue to generate income from their currently-empty buildings.

"This could make all the difference between their continuing to farm and being forced to close down their farms to seek other employment."

The association said it also welcomed the plan to set up a committee, including representatives from major stakeholders, to analyse each ODZ application on its own merits.

"We understand that applications will only be considered if they have little or no negative impact on the surrounding farms and countryside, and genuinely help to support Maltese agriculture. We fully agree with and appreciate these measures," the association said.