Project to preserve indigenous Maltese cattle, sheep, goats and chickens

A new project aimed at preserving indigenous breeds of cattle, sheep, goats and chickens has been announced as part of a number of agreements signed by the Agriculture Ministry to promote investment in the sector.

In a statement, the ministry said the MOBAC project would aim to protect and preserve local breeds of agricultural animals using genetic testing and cryopreservation, where biological samples are cooled to very low temperatures to preserve them in the long term.

The project will identify unique characteristics of native breeds “that may have significant economic and scientific value, while contributing to more resilient and sustainable food systems, with less dependence on imports and new export opportunities”, the ministry said.

Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo said the project was an example of the government’s aim of building a modern agricultural sector combining tradition with innovation and part of a national strategy for food security and sustainability.

A further investment of around €890,000 in equipment to improve the Directorate for Research and Advisory Services’ micropropagation laboratory and ancillary screenhouses was also announced, to be used in relation to tissue cultures of local flora.

This investment will support the development and propagation of local varieties of fruit trees and vines, while strengthening research into the authenticity and origin of local crops.

The minister said the investment also includes specialised training for employees in relation to the research.

The investment is co-financed through European funds.

European Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said the investment showed how Malta was using resources available to it to strengthen strategic sectors such as agriculture.

The projects to receive funding not only promote research and innovation but also create added value for the economy and strengthen the sector’s future resilience, he said.