Agriculture on the island of Gozo remains an important economic activity, not only because it is a direct source of employment, but also because it makes available genuine agricultural products that are provided to the local market for fresh consumption as well as processing, resulting in the generation of more indirect employment on Gozo.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, said this during a visit to agricultural fields in the limits of Ghajnsielem, where the harvesting of tomatoes for processing is in full bloom. The agriculture sector has seen an upward trend since 2004, as was confirmed by the Ciantar brothers from Ghajnsielem.

The full time Gozitan farmers explained to Minister Debono how this particular tomato crop has been grown to supply a local processor with a particular type of tomato which has less water content making it more appropriate for processing. Such tomatoes end up on supermarket shelves either peeled and canned, or processed in different kinds of sauces, while other end products include tomato paste or Kunserva. An agreement is entered into with the processing company which establishes the production quota and furnishes the growers with seeds thus endeavouring to ensure quality, quantity and type of the end product.

Minister Debono praised the initiatives taken by the Ciantar brothers and other local farmers, who have managed to upgrade according to contemporary market demands and adapt to modern agricultural systems. Minister Debono referred to the importance of such crops for the island's environment and economy and said that in 2006, around 5,800 tonnes of tomatoes were produced in Gozo for processing, a figure that shot up by 23% over the previous year.

Minister Debono said that these figures are over and above the figures relating to fruit and vegetables that pass through the Pitkali markets, that for the first six months of 2007 have already registered the volume of 2.35 million kilogrammes, an increase of 13% over the same period last year.

Minister Debono also remarked on how Government continuously supports this industry particularly through schemes and subsidies such as the Farmer's Aid programme of the Agricultural Department, which amongst others also provides subsidies relative to the cultivation of tomatoes for processing.

Minister Debono also visited another agricultural site owned and managed by the Ciantar brothers. The agricultural land, made up of 7 tumoli, was previously used for growing fodder but now converted into a flourishing vineyard which produces Merlot grapes.

Mr Ciantar explained to Minister Debono how he and his brothers took up this new venture three years ago. Following an agreement with a local wine producer they invested in the procurement of necessary equipment together with new vines. Their initiative was sustained through the Vine Planting Scheme of the Farmer's Aid programme, which allows a maximum of Lm480 per tumolo or 75% of the expenses incurred.

Minister Debono commended this enterprising Gozitan family while referring to the considerable development of viniculture in Gozo in recent years. Through effective collaboration between farmers, wine producers and Government, viniculture has flourished into a sustainable branch of the agricultural sector on our islands enhancing local produce with yet another excellent, high-quality and authentic product.