VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has called for greater flexibility in future European Union agricultural policies to address the country’s unique farming challenges during a meeting of Mediterranean agriculture ministers in Croatia.

Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo presented Malta’s position at the MED9 Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Zadar, where ministers discussed generational renewal, innovation and the future sustainability of farming across Mediterranean EU countries.

Refalo stressed that attracting younger generations into agriculture is essential for the long-term future of the sector in Malta.

He said the country faces particular constraints, including fragmented farmland and limited land availability, making it vital for future EU measures to allow member states to tailor support to their national circumstances.

The meeting also focused on support for young farmers under the future Common Agricultural Policy, knowledge exchange, rural development and the demographic challenges affecting agricultural communities.

Malta backed stronger cooperation among MED9 countries to share experience and best practices in addressing these issues.

Refalo said investing in young people, innovation and rural communities was an investment in the future of food security and agriculture, adding that closer collaboration among Mediterranean countries would help build a more sustainable, competitive and resilient sector.

The ministers concluded the meeting by adopting a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to generational renewal, innovation, closer Mediterranean cooperation and stronger, more sustainable rural communities.

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Source: medNews