The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries categorically denies the allegations made by MEP Peter Agius regarding the use of European funds for the beekeeping programme and the fight against the bumblebee. The selective presentation of figures and the conclusions quoted by him do not reflect either the facts or the regulatory framework of the Common Agricultural Policy.
The amount of €26,436 mentioned by Agius does not represent Malta’s entire beekeeping programme, nor was it allocated to the purchase of traps against the wasp. This sum refers only to the EU contribution over a five-year period to one component linked to the fight against varroa as part of the National Integrated Pest Management Programme. According to the implementation rules, which stem from Malta’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan, which is agreed with the sector and approved by the Commission, physical traps and chemical methods against the wasp are ineligible under this component, and therefore the interpretation that the Government had funds for the wasp and did not use them is incorrect.
The Malta Apiculture Programme is much more extensive and addresses a range of needs of the sector, including training, technical assistance, investments in colony health, research, laboratories, restocking and other support measures. Using one component to present it as the entire programme is simply misleading.
Regarding the comparison with Cyprus, the Ministry emphasizes that the financial allocations for beekeeping are established directly by Regulation (EU) 2021/2115. Malta receives €14,137 per year in European funds, while Cyprus receives €169,653. A twelve times larger allocation, decided by the EU and not by the Maltese Government. Therefore, the argument that Malta “chose” to spend less is completely unfounded.
The Ministry also recalls that the bumblebee is an indigenous species that cannot be eradicated, but requires coordinated management at a national level, not simply individual traps in apiaries. Therefore, the Government has already implemented measures outside the CAP, including financial aid schemes in 2023 and 2024, training, technical guidance, collaboration with international experts and practical interventions to reduce the activity of the bumblebee.
The Ministry is working closely with beekeeping organisations through the Apiculture Subcommittee and is evaluating additional measures, including enhanced surveillance, hive management and greater coordination between authorities. The Minister raised the problems faced by beekeepers due to the bumblebee swarm at the Council of Ministers in September in order to provide the sector with the necessary support.
The Ministry therefore condemns Agius’ policy as one that creates unnecessary alarm and presents a distorted picture of the Government’s efforts. The truth is that Malta is using funds in accordance with EU rules, is supporting beekeepers and through coordinated dialogue is working to ensure an effective and sustainable national response to the bumblebee challenge.
The Ministry remains committed to continuing to support the beekeeping sector, which plays a crucial role in biodiversity, agricultural production and food security in our country.
