Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1510993
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 NOVEMBER 2023 2024 will see the continuation of the progress made in the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights sectors. Animal Rights • We will be publishing the national strategy for the protection and better treatment of animals. • We will introduce and pass legislative changes. • During these past years, through financial schemes we have supported animal sanctuaries so that they continue to provide better care for animals and serve the community. Next year, we will continue on providing this assistance. • We will start directly assisting in the repairs and maintenance in these sanctuaries. Agriculture • After addressing the issues related to land use regulations, we will establish an agricultural land management agency. • We will register agricultural rents. • We will implement measures for the conservation of agriculture land. • We will provide young farmers with the opportunity to benefit from financial instruments, which will help them in purchasing agricultural land. • We will be just to rural landowners by abolishing succession tax on small or professionally farmed agricultural land. • We will introduce labels that identify local products and provide traceability for vegetables, fruits, and fresh fish, to promote the use of local products. • It's time that Malta has its own registered Designation of Origin for Maltese products. As we've announced, the coming year will see the first registered products. • In the coming year, we will once again organize the Malta AgriFair. • To continue supporting the agricultural sector, and stabilize the prices of basic staples like bread, in the coming year, we will also work on reducing the prices of flour and animal feed. • We will allocate funds for the restructuring of the dairy sector. Fisheries • We will attract and facilitate the entry of young fishers into this sector. • Through a new scheme, we will provide incentives to fishers who have more than one vessel to employ young fishermen who want to start working in this sector. • We will introduce financial instruments accessible by fishers who wish to purchase their first vessel. • We will establish an agency responsible for research, development and the implementation of projects in aquaculture and fisheries. • We will continue to assist owners of wooden vessels, to preserve our maritime heritage. 2024: WE WILL CONTINUE ON THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE IN THE AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, AND ANIMAL RIGHTS SECTORS. Agriculture and Fisheries are of significant importance to our country, primarily because they form a part of the food chain. Our farmers, producers and fishers deserve equitable revenue for their invaluable work. That is why the government will continue to be of assistance in this regard. In the field of Animal Rights, we will see that we develop and publish a national strategy for the protection and proper treatment of animals. budget freephone 8OO722O7 website budget.gov.mt sajd