For the first time, Malta has a National Plant Gene Bank in Lija, in order to preserve and safeguard the species of plants in the Maltese islands, by storing seeds of varieties of Maltese vegetables and fruits, as well as native and endemic plants.
This was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, where he explained that this project, which falls under the Directorate for Plant Protection, was made with an investment of more than €3 million from national and European funds from the funds for Rural Development 2014-2020.
In the news conference it was also explained that the work of collecting and conserving seeds of local varieties and native plants, as well as the collection of herbaria for botanical studies and genetic studies, will now begin, to be documented the botanical biodiversity of our country during the coming years. The project will also include a botanical museum that will be available to the public so that they can appreciate the work being done inside the Gene Bank and see the biodiversity of our country under a scientific lens.
“The establishment of this Gene Bank is important as our country is endowed with unique plants and vegetables, which have invaluable characteristics that can help us fight the challenges brought about by climate change, as also pests, diseases and other threats to our agricultural productivity. It will also serve as a repository of genetic resources, which will allow us to adapt to the changing environmental conditions, and develop resilient crops, and strengthen food security for the future,” Minister Anton Refalo concluded.
Dennis Sciberras, the Director of the Plant Protection Directorate, explained that through the National Plant Gene Bank varieties of trees including fruit and vegetables will be conserved. This is to ensure that Maltese breeds, especially those that have become scarce, are not only not lost but a way is found to make better use of them for the benefit of Maltese farmers and consumers. “Thus it will be ensured that potted vegetables and fruit trees that we are blessed with will continue to be guaranteed for generations to come.”
For more information one can send an email to plantprotection@gov.mt or call 22926535.
