In view of rising prices of fruits and vegetables, AD is calling on the government to assist farmers in setting up markets where they can directly sell their produce to the consumer without having to resort to middle men. Between April and June alone, the producer price index for agricultural products rose by 8.5 per cent.

Simon Galea, spokesperson for Agriculture, said, “In this way both the farmer and the consumer will get a better price. Other benefits include a fresher produce which travels much shorter distances thus reducing farmers’ expenses and helping in lowering carbon footprint.”

“The government should discuss the setting up of such markets in various Maltese localities with organisations representing the farming community as well as with local councils and NGOs and co-operatives.”

“Such markets can also serve as venues for cultural events which bridge the gap between urban and rural cultures as well as venues to promote healthy lifestyles,” added Simon Galea.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, added, “AD welcomes the fact that wholesale prices of fruit and vegetables are being posted online in a drive to fight unreasonable hikes in the price of vegetables and fruit and to enable consumers to know the prices of vegetables sold at the Pitkalija market. The next step is to provide consumers with the option to purchase these products from their locality’s farmers’ market.”

“AD is also calling on the government to start providing properly treated sewage water to farmers to offer them an alternative to borehole water.”

“The increased salinity of ground water, due to over extractions, is forcing farmers to invest in their own RO plants. If present trends continue and salinity continues to increase farmers will end up paying more money to irrigate their crops,” added Michael Briguglio.

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