Hunters slam regulations curbing recreational use of agricultural land
Farmers' cooperatives say hunters can still enjoy their hobby
The FKNK hunters' federation has slammed new regulations on the use of rural land as 'undemocratic, almost dictatorial' and lamented a lack of consultation before they were issued.
Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo announced on Monday that advertising arable land for sale while promoting its use for purposes other than agricultural will be banned under new regulations that will come into force in September. The regulations will also require landowners to register their farmland or risk having it taken away from them, with the government saying all registered farmland should be cultivated at least once a year.
In a reaction on Wednesday, the FKNK said the new regulations would impinge on the right of ownership of rural land and would adversely affect, probably also financially, not only hunters and trappers, but also thousands of Maltese families who had invested in rural areas where they could enjoy their recreation.
"Private property is sacred under the law. It grants the owner legal rights over the acquired resource," the federation insisted.
"In an organised and stable society, legal protection of ownership is important. According to Maltese law, ownership derives from certain rights, including “the right to enjoy and dispose of things in the most absolute way, provided that no prohibited use is made of them” (Article 320, Chapter 16 of the Laws of Malta – Civil Code)," it added.
The FKNK said the new regulations were 'unacceptable' and it warned it would take action unless an urgent meeting was held with minister Refalo.
Cooperatives say hunters can still practice their hobby
In a separate statement, cooperatives, companies and NGOs involved in the agriculture sector welcomed the new regulations.
"The overwhelming feedback received by agricultural organisations has been a mix of relief, elation and surprise," they said in a joint statement.
They welcomed the initiatives for the preservation of land for agricultural rather than recreational purposes, in the interests of the common good.
"The State has an obligation to govern and manage for the public good and we are sure one cannot possibly think of a public good more noble than the production of sustenance and nutrition for the nation," they said.
The regulations, they said do not preclude recreation but ensure cultivation. "You are very much within your rights to continue picnicking and barbequing on your land. You can definitely have your children drive their scooters around or play fetch with your canine companion. Hunters and trappers can still practice their hobby when the season opens. It’s just that one cannot do that at the expense of the production of the land."
The statement was signed by Emanuel Delicata Winemaker, Farmers’ Central Cooperative Society Ltd, Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi, Għaqda Produtturi tal-Għasel Malti, Koperattiva Bdiewa Dingli, Koperattiva Bdiewa Mġarr, Koperattiva Bdiewa Qormi u Għawdex, Koperattiva Bdiewa Rabat, Koperattiva Bdiewa San Pawl il-Baħar, Koperattiva Bdiewa Siġġiewi u Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Koperattiva Bdiewa Żabbar, Koperattiva Produtturi tal-Ħalib Group Ltd and Koperattiva tat-Tadam ghall-Iprocessar Ltd.