METIC agriculture : a resume of identified themes for collaboration

Abstract

In the last one hundred years, Maltese agriculture genetic resources were dispersed throughout the Mediterranean basin. The introduction of modern varieties of livestock and plants has led to the complete disregard of all local populations in favour of these imported new exotic hybrids. The end result is that our local genotypes have already been lost or are in danger of becoming extinct. Most are well suited for extensive production systems and also well suited for integration into organic or free range type of production. Projects focusing on the rehabilitation of Mediterranean Woodlands and the use of Treated Sewage Effluent were also discussed. The team of experts from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Palermo can be a great asset for the implementation of these initiatives. The development of certified products, compliment the efforts to develop an agrotourist industry.