The Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Roderick Galdes, visited Gozo where he met with farmers busy with this season’s tomato harvest. He expressed his appreciation for their hard work, particularly in the heat of the sun whilst tending their crops.

During his visit to Gozo he visited two tomato processing factories, Farmers Foods Ltd and Magro Brothers.

Roderick Galdes, in his address, spoke about the Government aid for farmers who grow Maltese tomatoes, which amounts to around €1 million.

He stressed the importance of this agricultural sector, which is the livelihood of hundreds of farmers and workers who are part of the chain in this process.

To this end, Roderick Galdes reiterated that the Government “will always support this industry which is so important for our country, especially as now, the product is beginning to be recognised outside Maltese shores.”

The Parliamentary Secretary said that he was positive that this 2014 season would produce yet another bumper harvest with a quality local product that ends up on the tables of Gozitan and Maltese families.

Roderick Galdes concluded by referring to the derogation that the Government managed to secure with the European Union for the next seven years, “ensuring that this industry will continue to receive the necessary financial support.”

Photo: Gozo tomatoes by Alain Salvary

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