The Project for the Revival of the Maltese Olive (Primo) is gathering momentum, with the first 340 indigenous Maltese olive trees being planted in various localities in Malta and Gozo.

The trees were produced following the launch of the project in January 2006.

A batch of 50 trees of the Bidnija variety was planted by Bank of Valletta employees in Gudja yesterday.

Addressing a press conference on site, Sam Cremona, who initiated the project, gave details about the progress being registered on the project.

He announced that another 2,000 trees have been grafted. "Our first indications are that we will have a higher success rate," he said. "In subsequent years we hope that thanks to the strong genetic bank we have now put in place, we will be able to graft around 5,000 trees per year."

Frans Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, and Charles Borg, executive head at the CEO's office of Bank of Valletta, were also present for the tree planting.

Dr Agius said the Primo Project is an excellent example of collaboration between a private individual, a bank and the government through the Department of Agriculture.

Mr Borg said that the Primo Project underlined Bank of Valletta's support towards initiatives that seek to contribute towards the improvement of the Maltese environment.

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