In Malta, local farmers are grappling with a substantial income disparity, earning roughly €2,700 less per hectare than their Italian counterparts, as highlighted by Peter Agius, a PN candidate. This gap is largely attributed to the allocation of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies, with Maltese farmers receiving merely a quarter of what is granted to Italian farmers. The situation is exacerbated by Malta's negotiation strategies for CAP subsidies, deemed inadequate by Agius, who criticizes the Maltese government for blaming the EU for local agricultural challenges.
Agius points out that Italy's advantageous use of EU policies has secured its farmers more generous subsidies, a benefit Malta has yet to match. This discrepancy is evident in the EU subsidies for vegetables and legumes, where Maltese farmers receive up to €1,400 per hectare, significantly less than the €4,100 per hectare available to Italian farmers. Such disparities not only place Maltese farmers at a competitive disadvantage but also threaten Malta's food security by making local produce less competitive against imports.
The analysis further reveals that only 55% of Malta's agricultural land is declared for CAP purposes, compared to Italy's 80%, hindering local productivity. Agius warns of the dire consequences of continued inaction, including higher food prices and potential food insecurity. He calls for a re-evaluation of Malta's approach to CAP subsidy negotiations to ensure equitable support for local agriculture and safeguard the nation's food supply.
Source: newsbook.com.mt