Public Consultation on the National Agriculture Policy 2027-2037
Since 2018, Malta’s agricultural policy has been guided by the Long‑Term National Policy for Agriculture 2018–2028, the first structured national framework following EU accession. That policy addressed key sectoral challenges through a focus on land stewardship, food security, environmental sustainability, farm income, competitiveness, generational renewal and the professionalisation of farming, with particular emphasis on safeguarding agricultural land, improving water management, strengthening farm viability, promoting quality production and supporting young farmers. It also recognised the enabling role of advisory services, research and innovation. However, the realities of Maltese agriculture—characterised by scarce and fragmented land, limited water resources, and growing exposure to climate, market and regulatory pressures—have underscored both the strategic importance of the sector and the limitations of a time‑bound and programme‑driven approach.
The development of a renewed National Agricultural Policy is therefore both a strategic necessity and a statutory responsibility under the Agricultural Act, requiring Government to provide clear, coherent and long‑term direction for the sector. This White Paper serves as a transitional policy instrument, bridging the conclusion of the 2018–2028 framework and the establishment of a new National Agricultural Policy for 2027–2037, particularly in the context of evolving EU policy and post‑2027 Common Agricultural Policy negotiations. The proposed policy aims to set a stable long‑term framework to guide legislation, support measures, advisory and knowledge‑transfer systems, and successive programming cycles, while ensuring continuity, transparency and resilience. This consultation document invites informed public and institutional input to ensure that the renewed policy framework reflects sector realities, legal obligations and Malta’s long‑term strategic interests.
Consultation Process
Following the launch, a series of consultation meetings will be held throughout this period to support informed discussion and stakeholder engagement. These meetings will provide an opportunity to further explain the policy proposals, gather feedback and clarify issues raised by stakeholders.
Stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback in writing through the Public Consultation form below. Alternatively, submissions may be made in writing by addressing a letter to the competent authority as per address provided below:
Agricultural Policy
Block E
Agriculture Research and Innovation Hub,
Għammieri, Triq l-Ingiered,
Marsa
The dates and details of the consultation meetings will be communicated to the relative stakeholders through their respective organizations. Other information will be made available on the official Agrikoltura Facebook.
Feedback received through the consultation process will be analysed and taken into account in the National Agricultural Policy. The policy will provide the strategic framework guiding future agricultural legislation, support schemes, advisory systems and external programming instruments, ensuring coherence, proportionality and long-term direction for the agricultural sector.
To support structured and focused submissions, stakeholders are encouraged to frame their feedback by responding to the following guiding questions, or by submitting comments related to these themes:
Are the proposed policy objectives and action areas appropriate for Malta’s agricultural context?
Are there additional long-term structural issues that should be addressed through the National Agricultural Policy?
How can advisory services be strengthened to support different categories of farmers?
What governance or administrative improvements are most urgently required?
The Consultation Document can be accessed through the following link:
https://ruralaffairs.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/a-national-agricultural-policy-for-malta-24-EN.pdf
