After Losing So Much In Historic Storm, Malta’s Farmers Are Taking Measures To Prevent Further Damages
Malta’s farmers have already begun taking preventive measures to protect their crops from further storms after this weekend’s record-breaking winds destroyed entire crops and greenhouses.
While storms typically cause some damage to agricultural land, last weekend’s weather conditions meant that farmers faced increased damage.
“Farmers are not used to this kind of extreme weather event, with extensive damage being caused to farms, from crops, to plastic covers for greenhouses, and in some cases entire greenhouse,” Agricultural expert Charles Zahra told Lovin Malta.
A freephone number has been set up (+356 8007 2113) for farmers to contact over damages.
“Entire crops in Madliena have been lost”
Fears that further storms could cause even more extensive damage to the already exposed crops have already been addressed, with farmers already working to ensure that the protective structures and other measures are in place.
“If left as is, the damage that has already been done could be made a lot worse, even with a much weaker storm,” Zahra explained.
Speaking in parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said government would help farms who have suffered damages. He suggested state aid rules could be waived, with an assistance scheme and a freephone service expected to be announced in the coming days.
Dr. Muscat said the government would help farmers who had suffered damages. In this case, state aid rules could be waived because of the particular circumstances. An assistance scheme and a freephone service will be announced in the coming days.
Speaking to the newsroom, PN MEP candidate Peter Agius reiterated the call for the deployment of the European Solidarity Fund to assist farmers and other businesses with damage compensation.
“We must be clear however that these funds will take long to process and to deploy,” he said. “One way forward could be the detailed assessment of all damages to allow for the EU application for funds followed by targeted state aid help for the worst hit areas to allow farmers to continue production and thus remain in business.”
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