Malta highlights the needs of farmers and fishermen during the EU Council

In Brussels, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo attended the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union where key themes related to agriculture and fisheries were discussed. Regarding the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Malta argued that national recommendations should remain strategic guidance and not a binding obligation, while leaving the necessary flexibility to Member States. It was stressed that for a small and insular country like Malta, proportionality and subsidiarity are essential in order to ensure effective measures adapted to the local reality. Ministers also discussed the revision of the Unfair Commercial Practices (UTPs) Directive. Malta welcomed this opportunity to strengthen the position of farmers and small operators in the food chain, with an emphasis on increased protection against retaliation and consistent enforcement across Member States, while respecting the single market and the principle of proportionality. Another point raised during the Council concerns the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the coming years. Malta confirmed its commitment towards more resilient and sustainable food systems, with particular attention to the challenges faced by small islands and vulnerable regions. Malta also underlined the need for exceptional assistance to the pig sector in light of the market turmoil affecting European producers. At the same time, Malta supported the request put forward by Portugal to consider European mechanisms to address systemic climate risks affecting farmers. Minister Refalo also expressed concern about proposals that could create a disproportionate administrative burden on small-scale farmers, including in the area of ​​plant protection, and stressed that any reform should look at the viability of food production and the competitiveness of Maltese farmers. In the context of fisheries discussions, Malta supported the need for a level playing field and adherence to scientific advice, while taking into account indirect impacts on operators in different regions. Minister Anton Refalo said, “For Malta, flexibility and proportionality are crucial in order to protect the viability of our farmers and fishermen. We will continue to work so that the interests of Maltese and Gozitan agriculture and fisheries are reflected in European decisions.” Malta will continue to actively participate in discussions at the European level to ensure that the specific needs of the Maltese agriculture and fisheries sectors remain a priority. Photo: MAFA