Malta has joined eight other Mediterranean EU countries in discussing how to attract younger generations into agriculture and strengthen rural communities.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply Minister Anton Refalo participated in the MED9 Agriculture Ministers’ meeting held in Zadar, Croatia. Ministers and representatives discussed generational renewal, knowledge exchange, agricultural innovation and demographic challenges affecting rural areas.
The meeting also focused on support for young farmers under the future Common Agricultural Policy and other initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for policies connecting agriculture with regional development, demographics and entrepreneurship.
Refalo said generational renewal was crucial for the sustainable future of Maltese agriculture. He highlighted Malta’s specific challenges, including fragmented agricultural land and limited land availability, arguing that European measures must remain flexible to reflect different national realities.
At the end of the meeting, MED9 ministers adopted a Joint Declaration supporting generational renewal, innovation and stronger cooperation between Mediterranean countries.
“Investment in young people, innovation and rural communities is a direct investment in the future of our food security and agricultural sector,” Refalo said.
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