The Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, Francis Agius, hopes that fields in Manikata are not lost due to the Xaghra l-Hamra golf course proposed by the Tourism Ministry and the multi-lane bypass planned by the Roads Ministry.
"Land and sea are limited resources and we must do everything possible so that they are not lost. I hope no fields are lost," Dr Agius said at the close of a press conference yesterday morning.
He had just presented a report which revealed that 95 per cent of the Maltese were satisfied with locally-produced fruit and vegetables.
Asked by The Times whether he thought the mega projects contradicted his secretariat's drive to promote Maltese agriculture through European Union funds, Dr Agius replied: "Life is full of controversy. My role is, as far as possible, to ensure that agricultural land remains as such".
Dr Agius said the issue of preserving agricultural land was not limited to Manikata.
"One could also speak of the agricultural areas which have been included in the development zone following the rationalisation of the development boundaries. Obviously, they fall within other departments. The matter is still sub judice because it is still uncertain what will happen with these areas."
Dr Agius said the Department of Agriculture is asked for its opinion and sends people to check how the land is being used.
"We are doing our utmost so that agricultural land is kept, especially where land is worked and where, say, trees would have been planted through EU funds. Land and the sea are limited and we do everything possible so that they are not lost," he said.
In July 2005, 30 Manikata farmers received notices from the Lands Department informing them that the government was claiming the land leased to them for the golf course.
Speaking to the press last month - this time to voice their opposition to the so-called Xemxija bypass that may cut through fields they own - the farmers said they had been unable to apply for EU funds because their lease had not been renewed by the government a year ago.
Dr Agius was also asked yesterday whether Manikata farmers would have their lease renewed this year. "I cannot say more because discussions [on the projects] are still ongoing," he replied.
Asked if the situation worried him, Dr Agius said work was always worrying and challenging. He added it was very important "to strike a balance".