Gozitan food and vegetable producers have registered an increase of 13% in the volume of fruit and vegetables that passed through the Pitkali markets in the first six months of 2007 over the same period last year. This translates into 2.35 million kilograms of fruit and vegetables that were produced in Gozo alone in the first six months of this year.

The cattle population also continued to increase in Gozo, with 2006 registering 6,110 heads, an additional 2.1% over 2005, while more than 4,500 applications from Gozitan farmers for different schemes were registered in 2006 in Gozo alone.

These increases were outlined by the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, during a presentation of prizes to agriculture producers during the traditional Wirja tal-Biedja u Snajja', organised by the Socjeta' Agrikola, Industrijali u Kulturali t'Ghawdex. This traditional fair has been organised since 1855.

Minister Debono said that European Union membership has resulted in a yearn for improvement by the agriculture sector on Gozo that, instead of being discouraged by new challenges, has risen up to the occasion and started implementing measures that translated into better quality and higher yields. Minister Debono referred in particular to the several schemes aimed towards assisting farmers in the production and processing of fruit and vegetables including specific schemes for tomatoes, potatoes and vines; rubble walls; the preservation of soil; the implementation of organic farming; improvement to farm structures; schemes for milk producers and other schemes under the Rural Development programme. In 2006 alone, 1263 application forms were filled in by Gozitan full-time and part-time farmers applying at the IACS office in Gozo. The application forms listed a number of schemes for which Gozitan farmers could apply. Altogether, through the 1263 forms, Gozitan farmers submitted 4586 individual applications across the different schemes on offer.

Minister Debono also spoke about the investment by local food producers in more modern food packaging, resulting in better hygiene standards and higher marketing value. Such investment further encourages the trend in favour of locally-made food products such as local cheeselets, honey, tomato products, olive oil and limuncell, for local consumers to increasingly opt for local food produce.

Minister Debono said that agriculture remains an important economic activity for Gozo and Government is continuously supporting this industry in several ways. The Minister referred to the Pre-Budget Document "Families Growing Stronger" where particular reference is made to agriculture in Gozo, renewing Government's commitment towards this sector through specific measures that are being proposed for implementation.