Farming in Malta : farmers' challenges within the CAP after EU accession

Abstract

The prime intention of the study was the clarification of the impact of Malta's accession to the EU on Maltese crop farming and on Maltese farmers. Past studies suggest that the removal of protection against agricultural imports, a necessary condition for EU membership, was likely to be significant and that without protection only a handful of products were likely to remain economically viable. Yet the study demonstrates that the Maltese farmers' participation in the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) brings with it opportunities as well as challenges. The study in tum, assesses the pros and cons of the effects EU accession has on Maltese farmers, and the research project, therefore is an attempt to establish whether in the long term the Maltese crop industry has a future and becomes sustainable. Thus the focus of the study was to expose those crucial elements that may make agriculture sustainable. In this context, it was necessary to look outside farming and embrace value added activities, which includes food processing and farming contribution to the environment amongst others. Qualitative research proved to be the main instrument for collecting data. This included a series of informal interviews with various types of farmers and other related bodies such as food processors and agricultural officers. Pictures and tables were used to help illuminate the findings of the study. Overall outcome results suggest, that in view of the major restructuring required, farmers are in need of urgent guidance and plentiful information. This can only become possible through an effective institutional framework that deals efficiently with the requirements of the Maltese farmers. The absence of such a structure will contribute to the sector's continuing decline. On the other hand, the present study's findings suggest (i.e. farmers' willingness to participate in successfully launched schemes) that given proper guidance, farmers are likely to rise to the occasion and make their industry not only economically viable, but a significant contributor to the concept of sustainable development.