Six broad objectives in draft agriculture policy; income tax for farmers to be waived

The government has launched a public consultation on a draft National Agriculture Policy. The document follows a three-year process that included studies of the current situation and laying out a strategy based on issues such as land management, attracting young farmers, competitiveness, labelling, traceability, water use and climate change. The policy was launched by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and features 70 recommendations, including the creation of niche markets, automation, gastronomy, high value, diversification and social regeneration. There are also recommendations on protecting land, resources such as water, and indigenous breeds. Parliamentary Secretary Clint Camilleri said the proposed policy would set direction for the coming 10 years and assure a future for the sector and its operators. The objectives of the policy, he said, were labelling, traceability and fair pricing, consolidation of rural land through transfer of leases to reduce fragmentation of fields, sustainability of resources, including increased production of ‘new water’, improved competitiveness when compared to imports and development of new areas such as organic family and agro-tourism. Other...