The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, inaugurated the lawn diagnostics laboratories with an investment of more than € 500,000.
At a press conference it was explained how through these laboratories, the Directorate for Plant Protection will be able to test the samples taken from trees and plants in Malta itself. Until recently, in order for the Directorate to know that plants are free of infectious diseases, samples had to be sent to laboratories abroad, thus creating unnecessary delays, at a much higher cost.
“Through this crucial investment, which was also a measure in the Budget, everyone will benefit. Both the workers who will work in a safer environment, the Directorate that will have faster results and therefore increase efficiency, as well as the agricultural sector that will have results in a shorter time, “reiterated the Minister. Anton Refalo.
The Director within the Plant Protection Directorate, Dennis Sciberras, explained how the works included the design of the rooms in order to comply with the international standards of the laboratories. In addition, a ventilation system has been installed to guard against any possible risks. He also explained that he had bought special furniture for the laboratories as well as specialized equipment for the analysis of the samples.
