Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499488
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 17 MAY 2023 NEWS JAMES DEBONO THE parcelling of agricultural land to be used for recreational purposes is increasing pressure on areas outside the develop- ment zone, the Planning Au- thority said. The observation was made in the PA's annual report tabled in parliament last week. The refers to a "noticeable in- crease in the subdivision of ag- ricultural land, which is linked to the exorbitant increase in rural land purchases for recre- ational purposes". According to the PA's Devel- opment Management Directo- rate (DMD) this increase has "put pressure" on the Direc- torate "to ensure that rigor- ous assessment standards are maintained" apart from "dilut- ing" the notion of what devel- opment is "necessary outside the development zone" . The annual report does not refer to the reform of the PA's rural policy which has been pending for the past six years and which is blamed for facil- itating the sale of agricultural land for leisure purposes, with many landowners presenting applications to build a "store" and surrounding their land with a rubble wall. An Agricultural Policy for the Maltese Islands published in 2018 had already warned that the Planning Authority's rural policy guidelines for ODZ development approved in 2014 are "increasing the fragmenta- tion of agricultural land" and "facilitating the speculation of ODZ land." But a proposed reform of the rural policy has been pending for the past four years even if a draft policy with stricter cri- teria was issued for public con- sultation in 2020. As proposed the policy would ban the development of stores on holdings of less than 10 tu- moli. Moreover, in an apparent recognition of the problem a recent White Paper issued for public consultation by the Agriculture Ministry, the gov- ernment has proposed a tax on agricultural land "that requires to be cultivated and which is not being used for agricultural purposes". It also seeks to create a le- gal distinction between active farmers, hobby farmers, and newcomers entering or at- tempting to enter the sector. This will help ensure that ag- ricultural land is managed and owned by genuine farmers. The White Paper had warned that in the absence of such a system, "there is the risk of abuse of benefits that should be only reserved for those seri- ously engaged and committed to the agricultural sector". Sale of farmland for recreational purposes is increasing pressure on ODZ European Year of Skills: 9 th May 2023 - 8 th May 2024 LIKE NSC Stay updated on the latest skills developments by following NSCMalta Fb Page today! The National Skills Council has been established as an executive entity within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation. Our main aim is to ensure that skills are at the heart of the local policy debate. To foster a culture of lifelong learning for all, enabling people to reach their full potential in a dynamic world of work. Vision To spearhead an evidence-based skills agenda focused on employability, social inclusion and wellbeing. Mission Raising awareness about the skills needed for the green and digital transitions Boosting competitiveness by investing in training on the skills required for the future Changing mindsets - upskilling and reskilling are the only assurance of quality jobs Putting skills at centre-stage File photo