The Malta Business Observer | 24.9.2020 on the Times of Malta

Current situation about the sustainable use of PPPs in Malta

Combating plant pests and diseases in Malta is a major challenge for growers. 

Over the past few decades, the variety of pests and diseases has drastically increased due to the importation of live plants, fresh fruits and vegetables. Although the work within the Plant Protection Directorate and MCCAA is to be commended, we need to acknowledge the fact that newly introduced pests and diseases are a harsh reality that Maltese growers are facing. Due to free trade agreements within the EU, and bilateral agreements with non-EU countries, Malta is open to a high influx of fruit and vegetable imports which may impose a risk on our agricultural biodiversity.

Local research about the latest IPM technologies and pesticide efficacy is needed. 

Growers do not have the necessary scientific tools available at hand to guide them on how to combat pests and diseases efficiently. When crops manifest signs of infection, growers need to act fast to avoid losses. A loss in production will result in a loss of revenue and possible profits. Very often, authorised sellers of PPPs are the only ones to recommend which product to use in a particular circumstance. The "trial and error" approach should not be encouraged, however, minimal efforts are being made by relevant stakeholders to offer alternative unbiased solutions. 

Apart from becoming ever-more sensitive towards the environment and their own health, growers strive to avoid the use of PPP’s since they are extremely expensive and their use drastically increases the total cost of production. Having said that, treatment of crops may sometimes be necessary to ensure a sustainable harvest. 

 

 

 

Local growers are expressing concerns about the limited variety of PPPs available to them

Malta has a narrower range of PPPs available on the local market, compared to our neighbouring countries. Local growers have often pointed out that a number of organic pesticides can considerably alleviate infestation of certain pests in Malta. Such organic pesticides, which may also be potentially used by conventional growers, are not available in Malta for a number of reasons. This is once again limiting local growers’ options and forcing them to use synthetic pesticides rather than organic alternatives.

A selection of seasonal fruit and veg at a local farmers market

 

Awareness amongst the general public is necessary to portray the reality 

More awareness is needed to communicate facts amongst locals on how growers ensure the production of safe and nutritious food. Following a series of deceitful, negative articles in the press, law-abiding growers have become victims of a misleading campaign. Public perception has affected sales of locally grown fruits and vegetables and more needs to be done to counteract lies and inaccuracies that have been disseminated.

 

Many local growers are nowadays users of the internet and carry out research about possible IPM strategies to implement on their farms. Young farmers are also more pro in using information from reliable sources on the internet and often make direct contact with experts abroad who may give specific advice and share knowledge.

Registered farmers are not only aware about which PPPs are legal, and how to use them, but the vast majority also attend obligatory courses to obtain licenses as PPP handlers. This should be enforced across the board with anyone else who grows plants (edible and ornamental) and intends to purchase over-the-counter PPPs. 

Recommendations 

- Stricter border controls to keep new pests and diseases away from our shore

- Better enforcement through tougher fines for those who breach legislation

- Outreach amongst the local community about locally grown fruits and vegetables

- More tailor-made training for growers about IPM

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To download the document in PDF click here.

Maltese agriculture set to be on a par with other member states

We, at the MaYA Foundation, are pleased to learn that one of the most salient points of our, and other NGOs', manifesto is set to be implemented - that of reinstating an autonomous ministry dedicated to Agriculture and Fisheries.

A well-deserved congratulations goes to Mr. Clint Camilleri for retaining his previous portfolio, adding more responsibilities, and managing to achieve greater authority. Such a promotion gives agri stakeholders renewed energy towards binging sustainable agriculture to its proper status.

Once again, we wish Mr. Camilleri and the rest of his team, all the very best in their endeavours. We echo our past commitment to assist as best as we can the authorities in order to continue safeguarding the interest of our farmers and breeders, who are in turn the main stewards of our rural areas.

Links:

MaYA manifesto

Any space for young farmers?

Everyone is familiar with the myriad of challenges that farmers have to face on daily basis. The ongoing hard work of the farming community does not necessarily translate to good income, since their produce is at risk due to weather conditions, diseases, price fluctuations and various other factors. In Malta particularly, the small size of land and the deteriorating ground water quality makes matters worse. All this put together surely doesn’t encourage youth to aspire for a career as farmers, especially within the horticultural sector.

The challenges of agriculture however aren’t a reason to stop land cultivation. It is an undisputed fact that agriculture is essential for the country. It is indispensable for Malta to have the primary production of food sector in good shape and it is the policy makers’ duties to ensure that this has a sustainable future. Furthermore, farmers are the guardians of Malta’s landscape. Over the years there were some positive initiatives to encourage the involvement of young farmers; such as specialised courses at MCAST and EU funding targeted towards young farmers. Having said that, the biggest issue hasn’t been tackled yet and it is something often avoided in agricultural policy discussions. Young farmers do not have land available to work in.

Issues regarding agricultural land in Malta are vast and merit a discussion of their own, but it is worth noting that such issues are the biggest hurdle for young farmers. Other challenges can be managed with good knowledge, financial support and diversification of products. But a young farmer has no way of obtaining agricultural land unless this is already family owned. The government, who is the largest agricultural land owner in Malta, doesn’t provide a mechanism which allows agricultural land to be passed on to dedicated young farmers. The other theoretical alternative is for a farmer to try and buy a private piece of agricultural land. However in practice this does not make any financial sense as these prices are heavily inflated due to the competition from other commercial land uses. A young farmer cannot be expected to pay about €350,000 for a hectare of land (8.9 tumoli), not to mention that such an area is not enough to return enough income for a full-time farmer, even if one were to disregard the cost of the land itself.

If young farmers are provided with the basic resources, there is an optimistic future ahead for the agricultural sector. There are already good established industries such as potatoes (local and export), grapes (for wines) and tomatoes (for processing), and various emerging opportunities for cash crops and processed products which can yield high returns if well managed. But a farmer cannot produce any of these if not provided with reasonable space to make it feasible.

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For press enquiries contact us at info@maya.org.mt