Magro Brothers plan to increase tomato production

Over 350 farmers who supply tomatoes to Magro Brothers of Gozo for processing attended the two meetings held for them by the company.

Managing director John Magro expressed satisfaction at the turnout and announced that although the tomato growing sector was undergoing change, Magro Brothers has plans to increase its investment in the sector so that it will increase its exports.

The company intends to increase its purchase of tomatoes for processing next year and he was satisfied that Maltese and Gozitan farmers were showing an interest in the sector.

Mr Magro thanked the two producer associations that were set up this year to enable farmers to conform with EU regulations. The company is also holding discussions to set up other producer organisations. Mr Magro thanked government officials for the importance and continuous help they were giving the sector.

Dr Philip von Brockdorff, permanent secretary in the Ministry for Rural Affairs, said Maltese and Gozitan farmers growing tomatoes for processing were receiving thousands of liri in subsidies. Part of these were coming from the European Union and next year the level of subsidy will remain 7c per kg of tomatoes.

Apart from this subsidy, Government is also helping through technical assistance from a top Italian agricultural institute to enable farmers to increase tomatoes for processing both in quality and quantity.

Other assistance is also being given through a publicity campaign urging the Maltese people to appreciate local products more.

David Dandria, a consultant in the Ministry for Rural Affairs, explained the importance of producer associations and explained how tomato paste is today considered to be a typical Maltese product within the EU.

Rural Affairs director Tony Meli announced different schemes of assistance to farmers in Malta and Gozo and Dr Marika Gatt, assistant director of Rural Affairs, explained the work her department is doing to find better seeds and production methods.

Agriculture director Tony Mifsud reinforced government's commitment to farmers and this sector.