What are Maltese and Gozitan farmers’ expectations from an enlarged Europe?

"The Agriculture Convention taking place this weekend is one of many seminars being organised by various Maltese organisations with the support of the EU Delegation in Malta".

The Head of the EU Delegation in Malta, H.E. Ronald Gallimore, made this remark during a news conference held this morning at his office in Ta’ Xbiex, where details were given about the Agriculture Convention to be held between Friday and Sunday.

Mr. Gallimore insisted that the aim behind the convention "is not to campaign, but to explain". He added that it was commendable that various agricultural movements had worked together to organise this much-needed forum for all farmers to attend and pose whatever questions they might have regarding the deal struck by the Maltese negotiators for the local agro-industry.

Mr. Peter Axisa from the Organising Committee said that all farmers and people involved in agriculture are invited to attend. The Friday and Saturday seminars will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, while the Sunday seminar will be held at the Mgarr Hotel in Gozo. Mr Axisa also announced that there will be four foreign speakers.

Another Organising Committee member, Mr. Louie R. Naudi, said that the convention is an opportunity for all players in the agriculture sector to fully understand what help is at their disposal in order to re-structure.

Mr. Antoine Attard from the Integrated Administrative and Control System‚ from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who is also a member of the Organising Committee, said that during the Convention his unit will be explaining in detail the way they will be assisting farmers during the transition period.

The Organising Committee also thanked H.E. Gallimore and his staff for the great support in the organisation of the Convention, as well as the Malta EU Information Centre (MiC), the EU Directorate General Agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.