During a visit to the Viticulture Centre in Buskett, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo announced financial assistance amounting to €125,000 for farmers who have seen major losses in the production of the two indigenous Maltese grape varieties, Girgentina and Ġellewża.
These varieties are adapted to the local climate, but there are times when, due to weather effects, problems are caused in the production of this type of grape. This is why the Department of Agriculture within the Ministry is offering financial assistance to farmers who are affected.
Minister Anton Refalo said that with schemes such as these, the Government is providing direct support to farmers to compensate for the financial losses they have suffered due to these extraordinary conditions. He maintained that this investment is not only supporting farmers, but also helping to maintain Malta’s agricultural heritage, particularly these two unique varieties.
“We are committed to further investment and work on the Vitikultra centre in order to offer better resources to grape farmers, and continue to strengthen research and innovation in the sector,” concluded Minister Refalo.
Director of Agriculture, Marco Dimech, also explained that the Department not only helps with financial assistance but also helps with research to explore more grape varieties for pressing.
During this visit, Minister Refalo was accompanied by the Director General for Rural Affairs Saviour Debono Grech, the Director for Agriculture Marco Dimech as well as Darren Borg, Chief Agricultural Officer.
