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The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights of Malta and CIHEAM Zaragoza collaborate to promote sustainable agricultural development
CIHEAM > AGENDAS > The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights of Malta and CIHEAM Zaragoza collaborate to promote sustainable agricultural development
  • CIHEAM Zaragoza will provide expertise in key areas such as organic farming, socio-economic analysis, crop protection, livestock production, animal health and welfare, and food safety and control.

Zaragoza, 27 February 2025.- The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights of Malta (MAFA) and CIHEAM Zaragoza have signed a new agreement to enhance cooperation in agricultural technical assistance and capacity building.

The agreement, signed by Sharlo Camilleri, Permanent Secretary of MAFA, and Raúl Compés López, director of CIHEAM Zaragoza, builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding established between the parties on 19 June 2024. This collaboration aims to advance knowledge dissemination, institutional networking, and awareness-raising in key agricultural areas such as organic farming, socio-economic analysis, crop protection, livestock production, animal health and welfare, and food safety and control.

Under the terms of the agreement, CIHEAM Zaragoza will provide technical assistance through the deployment of senior experts and technical specialists to Malta. These professionals will conduct technical visits, provide advisory services to farmers and local consultants, and support training initiatives. Additionally, technical professionals will be engaged long-term in Malta to implement best practices and recommendations provided by the experts. The cooperation will be structured around yearly work plans, ensuring that the activities align with Malta’s agricultural development priorities.

Camilleri highlighted Malta’s dedication to strengthening its agricultural framework: “Our partnership with CIHEAM Zaragoza will provide access to specialised expertise in crucial areas, including organic farming, livestock production, animal health and welfare, and food safety and control. This collaboration will not only enhance the sustainability and resilience of our agricultural sector but also further strengthen our ties with the CIHEAM organisation. We look forward to the successful implementation of this agreement and the positive impact it will deliver".

Speaking about the agreement, Compés emphasised the importance of regional collaboration: "At CIHEAM Zaragoza, we are committed to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and capacity building in all the Mediterranean countries. This agreement with MAFA is a significant step towards enhancing technical expertise and supporting Malta’s agricultural sector through technical knowledge and innovation".

The agreement, effective from 1 February 2025, is set for an initial period of one year, with provisions for renewal. Activities will be jointly planned, and CIHEAM Zaragoza will produce an annual report detailing the progress and outcomes of the collaboration.