Farmers to hold second protest today

Farmers have announced that they will be holding a second protest on Thursday following their first demonstration two weeks ago.

The farmers will be leaving Ta’ Qali at 11:45am and arriving in Valletta at around 2:00 – 2:30pm, the Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi said, adding that its manifestation is supported by various other sectors in the local food chain.

Whilst reiterating the local food producers’ opposition to the European Union’s current framework and future ambitions that are seriously threatening the livelihoods of farmers, the organization will now be making several proposals to the Government to assist in the buffering of the impact of such EU regulations and plans.

The rally of agricultural and nonagricultural vehicles will leave the Ta’ Qali car park used by the farmers’ market and drive towards Valletta, passing through Attard, Mrieħel Bypass, Marsa-Ħamrun Bypass, Aldo Moro Road (Marsa), Blata l-Bajda and Floriana until finally arriving in Valletta (Triq lGħassara tal-Għeneb) where vehicles will be parked and a press conference will be held.

On 2 February, farmers had staged their first protest, which the President of the Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi Malcolm Borg described as a historic day for Maltese farmers, as they all came together with one collective goal, to fight for their rights and their livelihood.

He said that farmers have faced many challenges, but that they have now reached their final breath and said that enough is enough. Borg said that it is important to show solidarity for other European farmers, going on to say that the EU needs to cease its negotiations with third countries and stop importing food when they are in direct competition with European produce.

Several protests have been held by farmers in various European countries.