Gozitan agricultural produce to benefit from free transport to Malta

Gozitan farmers will now be able to benefit from twice-weekly free transport for their agricultural goods to Malta.

The scheme, run by the Malta Food Agency, is expected the facilitate the work of Gozo’s farmers and increase their products’ accessibility to the Maltese market.

The agricultural products will be transported directly to the farmers’ market (pitkalija) in Malta, where they will be registered and distributed to sales agents according to the direction of the farmers.

Labels on the outside of each product will also be printed to ensure traceability.

In a press conference, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that this service is aimed at reducing costs for Gozitan farmers, especially those linked to transport such as fuel and ship cost.

"Through what we are announcing today, the Government is recognising the work of the farmer, as he will see that the product is appreciated by the Maltese and Gozitan consumers.”

He continued: “This initiative complements many other measures where we are seeing that the many burdens brought about by the international scene on the crucial agricultural sector are not borne by the farmers themselves but are constantly shouldered by the State," concluded the Minister.