PN Says Budget Fails To Address Challenges Facing Farmers, Fishers And Animal Welfare

The Nationalist Party has criticised the Government's Budget for failing to prioritise agriculture, fisheries, food supply and animal welfare, saying it does not provide sufficient support for farmers, fishers, livestock breeders and veterinary services.

Speaking at a press conference, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply Toni Bezzina, Shadow Minister for Animal Welfare Janice Abela Chetcuti and PN Spokesperson for Veterinary Services Andrew Agius questioned what tangible results those working in these sectors would see from the Budget.

The speakers said farmers continued to face shortages of land and water, adding that not everyone had access to New Water. They also criticised the lack of investment in the Pitkalija vegetable market, despite years of government promises, and called for greater investment in a national food security strategy.

On fisheries, the PN questioned how many fishers had benefited from funding to invest in their vessels, while pointing to a lack of infrastructure investment, including the long-promised Marsalforn breakwater.

The party also raised concerns about animal welfare funding and veterinary services, noting that the animal hospital opened under a previous Nationalist administration remains closed more than three years after its closure.

It said veterinary students had no suitable public facility in which to complete their practical training and were being forced to seek placements at small private clinics or abroad.

The PN also said the Budget failed to address the difficulties faced by animal sanctuaries, many of which rely on the personal time and money of those running them.

The party called on the Government to give greater priority to agriculture and fisheries, while ensuring that both household pets and farm animals receive the care they need.

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