Ireckon that a lot of change is ongoing in the agricultural scene. It is a silent revolution that is changing the way in which agriculture used to operate until a few years ago. It is a change that vindicates this Administration's foresight in rebutting those who tried their best to discourage farmers prior to EU accession. It is also the result of the implementation of policies and the creation of new opportunities, which, I must say, the farmers are taking and exploiting to the best of their entrepreneurial abilities.

I had the privilege to witness such changes these days when I accompanied the Prime Minister on a visit to a new investment, which is being done by two farming families in Mġarr. Yes, notwithstanding the scaremongering, farmers are investing and consumers can look forward to benefit from such investments. It is the greatest endorsement of these farmers' trust in agriculture.

The Prime Minister's visit was meant to underline the country's appreciation and admiration for the tireless efforts of these people who work at odd hours to guarantee us the daily fresh produce.

It is heartening to note that farmers are grabbing the opportunities we are making available. These opportunities are fuelling the renaissance of Maltese agriculture and are ensuring that we continue to transform agriculture in an ever-changing world.

We are investing heavily in our farmers and herdsmen. Suffice it to mention that these stakeholders were offered the opportunity to apply for financial assistance from an allocation of €100 million in EU funds, which make up the Rural Development Plan 2007-2013.

One of the schemes was intended for investment and improvement in agricultural holdings such as greenhouses, reservoirs and mechanical equipment. About 300 farmers and herdsmen heeded our call and presented an aggregate of about €40 million worth of projects and investments in their land and farms.

This particular scheme envisages that the applicant is refunded with half the expense of the proposed investment.

The Mġarr farmers we visited are recipients of this fund and I must say that, from what I have witnessed, our farmers are putting this money into good use. This particular investment comprised of the setting up of 10 new greenhouses, the building of a reservoir to capture run-off water from the same greenhouses and a store for agriculture purposes. I understand the pride of these farmers as they showed us round and explained the benefits of this investment, among which are the increased efficiency of their land and the use of water that, otherwise, would have been lost.

These investments should also be considered as direct contributions to the enhacement of food quality and our environment. These developments mean that more fresh produce is now available "out-of-season".

The setting up of greenhouses means that farmers can now grow produce that would otherwise have been impossible at a particular period. Availability and quality of the produce are of the essence if we want to ensure a sustainable future for farmers and agriculture in general.

This brings me to another important development we have witnessed in the recent past: the urge of farmers to unite in producers' groups and, even though a lot of work still needs to be done, one can see important developments and improvements in this regard. Gone are the days when the consumer would buy anything; and there is no future for those who are not willing to invest and dedicate their time towards enhancing their produce and its quality.

The recent visit to Mġarr was the proof that things are changing and improving. Farmers are heeding the market's call and are improving their activity accordingly. Our duty is to continue to offer opportunities to farmers and herdsmen in a way that a win-win scenario is created, for the farmers and their families, the environment, our country and the consumer.

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.