The Common Agricultural Policy, water resources and better use of EU funds were the main highlights of discussions held yesterday with the government during a short visit by the EU’s Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan.

In a visit to Meridiana wine estate at Ta’ Qali, Mr Hogan said the EU understood the particular challenges of a small island when it came to agriculture, particularly its small fields and lack of water resources.

The Commission is still working on a solution

He said that through the new Junker plan, which comprises an investment of €315 billion in the sector, Maltese farmers would continue to acquire funding to invest in their industry.

Asked whether the commission would continue to insist that extraction of water from boreholes should become legal and billed, the commissioner said the issue fell under the remit of Maltese Commissioner Karmenu Vella.

However, he said the commission was still working on a solution.

Environment Minister Leo Brincat led Malta’s discussions with the commissioner and emphasised the need that climate change and agriculture be seen as complementary.