Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply Anton Refalo participated in the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union, held in Brussels. During the meeting, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027, the situation in agricultural markets, the availability of fertilizers and the future of European funds for fisheries and aquaculture were discussed.
In the discussion on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, Minister Refalo reiterated the importance of the European framework recognising the different realities of the Member States. Malta supported the need for sufficient flexibility so that the measures and allowable financial aid rates can be adapted to the characteristics of the Maltese agricultural sector, in particular to the reality of small and fragmented agricultural holdings.
Minister Refalo also intervened on the situation in agricultural markets, drawing attention to the increase in production costs and the pressures facing various sectors. He highlighted the growing impact of climate change on agricultural production, with extreme temperatures and longer periods without rain creating new challenges for Maltese farmers and ranchers. The Minister also mentioned the problem of the bumblebee and the pressure on the beekeeping sector, with a negative impact on bees, production and agriculture.
During the discussion on fertilizers, Malta stressed the importance of farmers having access to an affordable and stable supply. Minister Refalo supported the promotion of precision technologies and tools that help reduce waste and make more efficient use of fertilizers and water. He also highlighted the importance of alternative and recycled sources of nutrients in order to reduce dependence on imported products and promote more circular and sustainable agricultural systems.
On the fisheries sector, the Council discussed the sectoral legislative proposal for the fisheries and aquaculture funds for the period 2028-2034. Malta was among the Member States that requested revisions to the proposed text to better reflect the different realities and needs of the sector. After a number of these revisions were reflected in the updated text, the Presidency put forward the proposal with a view to reaching a partial agreement between Member States.
Minister Refalo confirmed Malta’s agreement in the spirit of compromise, while stressing that more work remains to be done to achieve a better balance in the conditions for the implementation of these funds. Malta stressed the importance of moving the process forward in order to avoid delays in payments for Maltese and Gozitan fishermen. The partial agreement obtained the necessary majority, with the support of almost all Member States.
The Council also discussed a proposal to amend the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Regulation for the current period. Minister Refalo reiterated that, while more time is needed for Member States’ experts to examine the proposal in detail, it is positive that an amendment is being proposed to simplify the implementation of the fund and provide more flexibility to administrations. He stressed the need for adequate support for fleet modernisation, energy transition, generational renewal and small-scale fisheries sectors such as the Maltese one.
“Our farmers, ranchers and fishermen are facing constantly changing realities and challenges. Therefore, European policies and funds need to recognise the characteristics of our country and provide the necessary flexibility. Malta will continue to work to ensure that our producers have the support, tools and opportunities to continue investing and producing. At the same time, we will continue to protect the interests of Maltese and Gozitan fishermen in order to avoid delays in payments and financial support,” concluded Minister Refalo.
Photo: MAFF
