New agreements ‘boost innovation and safeguard Malta’s agricultural heritage’ – government

The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights has announced a significant investment in Malta’s agricultural sector through a series of new agreements supporting strategic projects focused on innovation, research, and heritage preservation. Central to this initiative is the MOBAC project, which aims to protect indigenous Maltese livestock breeds, including cattle, sheep, goats, and local poultry. The project combines conservation with advanced biotechnology, using genetic testing and cryopreservation to identify and safeguard unique traits that may hold economic and scientific value. This approach is expected to strengthen food resilience, reduce reliance on imports, and open new export opportunities. Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo described the projects as part of the government’s vision to modernise the sector while preserving tradition, stressing that protecting local breeds is key to long-term sustainability and food security. A separate €890,000 EU-funded project will upgrade tissue culture facilities, enhancing research capacity and supporting the propagation of certified local fruit trees and vines. The investment also includes specialised training for staff to ensure high-level research standards. Officials said the initiatives will create new economic opportunities, particularly for young people and women, while improving competitiveness and reinforcing the value of local agricultural production.