The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights is working on a technical initiativethat aims to provide tailor-made advisory services to pig farmers in Malta. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with CIHEAM Zaragoza, which has appointed pig experts from TEAGASC in Ireland.
The agreement aims to strengthen local production through technical advice to farmers and local consultants, where workshops are being held and specialized training is being provided. Given the similarities between the Irish and Maltese pork sectors in production, this partnership will lead to more practices adapted to local conditions.
Two experts from TEAGASC – Ciaran Carroll, Head of Pork Knowledge Transfer with over 30 years of experience, and Emer McCrum, a specialist consultant working closely with farmers and stakeholders – have already visited Malta twice as part of six planned visits. During these visits, meetings with cooperatives, farm visits and workshops aimed at helping farmers adopt better and more sustainable practices were held.
As part of their visit to Malta, the experts are touring farms to better understand farmers’ practices and identify challenges that can be addressed immediately.
In the coming weeks, a Junior Technical Specialist will be appointed to offer consultancy services to Maltese farmers, continuously supported by TEAGASC experts. In addition, there will also be an investment in modern scanning systems that will assist farmers in their daily work on the farm and enhance efficiency.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said, “This agreement is an important step for the future of the pork sector in Malta. Through this collaboration with international experts, we are providing more tools and support to our farmers so that they can improve productivity, strengthen their profitability and at the same time make a direct contribution to food security in the country. The introduction of modern scanning systems together with advisory services will lead to greater stability in the sector and a more sustainable future.”
This initiative is expected to lead to more consistent pork production, enhance the profitability of farmers, and ultimately contribute to higher quality local food for Maltese and Gozitan consumers.
