Action plan to address issues related to pesticides announced

An action plan seeking to address issues related to pesticides was announced yesterday by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Clint Camilleri.

Addressing a press conference, Camilleri said that the issues of pesticide use must be addressed, particularly with regard to sustainable use.

The action plan being discussed between MCCAA and the government will be released soon, with a public consultation currently ongoing that is to conclude on Sunday.

Entities have held a number of meetings with stakeholders in recent weeks.

Camilleri insisted that pesticides were an important tool for farmers to do their job, but it was important for them to put them to good use. He did note, however, that the variety of pesticides to choose from in Malta was limited, and this had led to overuse of the wrong kind of pesticides.

Parliamentary Secretary for Consumer Rights Deo Debattista was also present to speak at Għammieri, the government farm, and he maintained that the proper use of pesticides would also come as an advantage to the consumer, as they would be able to purchase higher quality goods.

The possibility of the government looking into organic farming was also brought up by those present, but it was noted that the island’s size would make this a difficult goal to achieve.