ABOUT

The mission statement of the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights in Malta is to promote the sustainable development of the agricultural, fisheries and acquaculture sectors, whilst safeguarding the health and welfare of animals and ensuring that the highest food safety standards are met.

The Ministry aims to support farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders in these sectors, as well as to promote rural development and the conservation of natural resources. Additionally, the Ministry works to develop and implement policies and regulations that protect animal welfare, promote responsible animal ownership, and prevent cruelty to animals.

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and strategies that address these sectors. The Secretariat’s main objective is to ensure that these sectors are sustainable, competitive, and compliant with EU regulations.

To achieve this vision, the Parliamentary Secretariat creates and implements strategies that focus on areas such as sustainability, local food security, and infrastructure investment relevant to these sectors.

One of its key initiatives is further incentivising growth in the aquaculture sector, which aims to increase the production of fish in Malta, in a way that ensures that the sector is environmentally and financially sustainable. The Secretariat also acts as a bridge between local operators and EU-funded projects that aim to improve the competitiveness of these local sectors.

In addition to its strategic initiatives, the Secretariat engages in stakeholder dialogue to gather qualitative feedback and ensure effective decision-making. This dialogue involves consultations with public officials, fishermen and their cooperatives, fish farmers, NGO’s and volunteers in the animal welfare sector.

The Ministry also plays a critical role in promoting food security in Malta. With the country’s limited land resources, the fishing industry and aquaculture sector are essential sources of healthy nutrition for the Maltese population. As such, the Secretariat works to ensure that growth of these sectors remain productive and sustainable, thereby contributing to the prosperity and health of our country’s population.

MAFA Organogram