Malta calls for EU support for agriculture and fisheries sectors after Storm Harry

Malta has called for European support for the agriculture and fisheries sectors following the impact of Storm Harry, during meetings held in Brussels.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said attended the AGRIFISH Council meeting, where the challenges faced by Maltese primary sectors were highlighted.

Minister Refalo also held talks with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen, focusing on the need for stronger coordination to ensure Maltese farmers and livestock breeders receive due protection and recognition for the significant damages suffered. Malta requested that the issue be addressed at Council level, where support was expressed by ministers present.

During the meeting, the minister also raised the difficult situation facing the pork sector, particularly due to very low prices of imported pork products undermining the competitiveness of local producers. Various support options were explored with European Commission officials, with technical discussions set to continue to identify an adequate short-term solution.

“The meetings conveyed a clear and strong message: the Maltese Government is working with determination to ensure that fishermen, farmers and livestock breeders affected by Storm Harry receive the support they deserve. Assistance must reach them efficiently and on time, and we are seeing serious commitment from European institutions in this regard,” Minister Refalo said.

He added that the discussions provide reassurance that the necessary processes to deliver assistance are moving forward with seriousness, aimed at ensuring Malta’s and Gozo’s primary sectors are supported in a concrete and fair manner during times of crisis.

Minister Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said also met European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis. The meeting confirmed that support for the fisheries sector will continue in a structured and concrete manner, with emphasis on targeted and effective measures to ensure timely assistance to affected fishermen.

Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said stressed the importance of remaining close to fishermen, listening to the challenges they face and continuing to work to secure the necessary support at both national and European level. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defending the interests of the fisheries sector and those who depend on it for their livelihood.

The ministry said it will continue working closely with the European Commission and Member States to ensure that commitments made are translated into concrete measures addressing realities on the ground.

Photos: MAFA