Anton Refalo Defends Maltese Farmer, Fisher Interests At EU Council Of Ministers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Anton Refalo represented Malta at a meeting of the European Union's Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, where ministers discussed the future of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027, agricultural markets, fertiliser supplies and European funding for fisheries and aquaculture.

During discussions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, Refalo stressed that EU policies must recognise the different realities faced by Member States. He said Malta requires enough flexibility for financial support measures to reflect the country's agricultural sector, which is largely made up of small and fragmented farms.

The Minister also raised concerns about the pressures facing farmers and livestock breeders, including rising production costs and the growing effects of climate change. He noted that increasingly extreme temperatures and longer dry periods are creating new challenges for local agriculture. Refalo also highlighted the spread of the Asian hornet, warning that it is placing additional pressure on the beekeeping sector, with negative consequences for bees, honey production and agriculture.

On fertilisers, Malta argued that farmers should have access to affordable and reliable supplies. Refalo supported the wider use of precision technologies to improve the efficient use of fertilisers and water while reducing waste. He also called for greater use of recycled and alternative nutrient sources to reduce reliance on imported products and encourage more sustainable farming practices.

The Council also discussed the proposed fisheries and aquaculture funding programme for the 2028 to 2034 period. Malta was among the countries seeking changes to the proposal so it better reflects the needs of different Member States. Following revisions to the text, Refalo confirmed Malta's support for a partial agreement, while insisting that further work is needed to improve the conditions for implementing the funds. He said it is important to avoid delays in payments to Maltese and Gozitan fishers.

Ministers also considered amendments to the current European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. Refalo welcomed efforts to simplify the fund's implementation and provide greater flexibility for national administrations, while calling for continued support for fleet modernisation, the energy transition, generational renewal and small-scale fisheries.

Refalo said Malta will continue pushing for European policies and funding that reflect the country's realities and provide farmers, livestock breeders and fishers with the support they need to invest, produce and remain competitive.

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