At a press conference at which the ‘Żomm Tarmix’ initiative was launched, Prime Minister Robert Abela described the same initiative as an important one against food waste which is another project based on two main principles, that of social justice where we help people live well and in good health and the principle of sustainability by ensuring the best use of our resources with an emphasis on environmental protection.
The announced initiative will be on a digital framework tarmix.gov.mt where the Malta Food Agency will be bringing together businesses that donate food that is close to expiry and this will be given to voluntary organisations. This framework will improve efficiency, increase transparency and reduce food waste while fostering a circular economy model in Malta. Benefactors, which are businesses, will be able to qualify for tax reduction incentives.
Prime Minister Robert Abela explained the importance of food supply, an aspect that was felt more during the pandemic and in the face of current geopolitical challenges around the world. He said that apart from the main objective of this initiative against food waste there are other goals including reaching more people through the distribution of food by voluntary organisations and also through the sale of food products at a reduced price. He also mentioned the fact that this initiative will reward participating businesses that are not only interested in the profits they make but also recognise that they also have a social role.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the Malta Food Agency which, in the few years since its establishment, has brought about important changes in the food sector. Here he explained the results related to the distribution of food products to voluntary organisations and the collaboration with Wasteserv on the production and distribution of compost. He also mentioned the work related to local products such as vegetables, fruit and meat which are being presented better and are entering more Maltese shops and homes. This is in addition to the introduction of modern systems which have led to significant increases in sales made by the Pitkalija.
The press conference was also addressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo who said, “With this initiative, the Government will be facilitating coordination between businesses and voluntary organisations in order to ensure the best use of food and at the same time we will be reducing waste. I am convinced that businesses will play their full part in making this initiative a success. Here the Government is taking concrete action and at the same time strengthening social justice, as we promised in the ‘Malta Flimkien’ electoral manifesto. This strategy will not only reduce waste, but also help Maltese and Gozitan families obtain quality products at more reasonable prices.”
The digital platform will provide a transparent and efficient mechanism for food distribution to take place effectively, and to ensure that aid reaches those who really need it. Voluntary organisations will be able to register via e-ID to ensure that the process is secure and that aid reaches those most in need. Food waste goes against the principles of social justice and therefore this initiative is part of the Government’s efforts to reduce food waste and encourage sustainable ways both economically and socially as this scheme will be of assistance to those most in need in society.
In addition, Malta will be among the countries that are making concrete advances in the implementation of the circular economy model, where products are not thrown away but are used to benefit the entire community. During the launch of this initiative, an agreement was signed regarding this scheme between the Malta Food Agency, social partners and voluntary organisations.
Photo: OPM-DOI
