Labour would not permit any further drilling of boreholes

A Labour government would not permit the drilling of new boreholes while farmers would not have to pay for the water they use.

Addressing a meeting with farmers in Buskett, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said that his goal was that farmers wouldn't be made to pay for the water they use.

"We know we will be criticised for this, but our goal is that farmers shouldn't pay for water. However, we don't agree with the drilling of new boreholes and we will not permit it," he said, adding that farmers would not be charged for the water meter either.

Muscat said that a Labour government would retain the farmers' market with the condition that only Maltese produce is sold.

Replying to complaints over the increase in the price of fodder, Muscat said that while a government had no control over the international price of cereal, yet a Labour government would see to increase the help given to farmers to purchase the fodder.

During the hour-long meeting, Muscat heard farmers lament over the difficult process faced when applying for EU funds. Some said that the costs ran into hundreds of euros when seeking the services of an architect or an accountant.

Muscat said that were possible, a Labour government would provide a service within its own departments to facilitate the filling of forms by farmers.

"But when it comes to specialised applications, such as a copy of a blueprint, these would have to be carried out by the private sector."

Muscat said that while the PL was aware that farmers were traditionally PN voters, there was a realisation among farmers that they have been "abandoned" by the PN government.

"But I promise you that we will be alongside you during the coming five years," he said, adding that he would appoint a person politically responsible of fisheries and agriculture.

Muscat said that a Labour government would help farmers operate in a Malta which was now part of the European Union.

"There is no question of renegotiating but we can operate with the best methods there exist and reach a balance. But Malta's market forms part of the EU's and whoever is telling you that importation from the EU market can stop is lying."

The Labour leader said that quality marks certifying a Maltese product was one of the ways that would help the farmers. He also pledged that a Labour government would provide incentives for both full-time and part-time farmers, including making it possible for farmers to benefit from MicroInvest schemes.