ADDRESS BY THE HON. N ZAMMIT, MINISTER OF AGRIC AND FISHERIES, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 3RD MEETING OF MINISTERS CIHEAM ON "SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND MEDITERRANEAN DIET" - ATHENS, GREECE. 1ST JUNE 2001

Distinguished Colleagues, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

In the reports and papers prepared in anticipation of this meeting of Ministers of Agriculture of CIHEAM states, there are frequent references to the polarity of the geographical area that we represent. In fact, the four points highlighted, and specifically included in the Final Declaration of the meeting of Ministers of Agriculture in Rabat talk about "the North and South", "the countries on the two banks" and "different growth rates on either side of the Mediterranean".

Therefore, when we talk about the Mediterranean region and its culture, agriculture and diet, we are in fact describing a region that, notwithstanding certain common characteristics, the same region enjoys a healthy and refreshing variety of products across distances that in global terms would be considered almost negligible. This particularity is perhaps suitably illustrated by focusing on these same parameters as they evolved and as they exist in my country of origin.

While a cursory glance at a map of the region makes it immediately apparent that Malta is geographically situated right in the centre of the Mediterranean, a closer historical study shows that for centuries we have been influenced by the different peoples who inhabited the shores of our common basin. This is reflected in our language and traditions, in our architecture and culture, and of the greatest relevance to this meeting, in our agriculture and dietary habits. We became both a meeting point as well as a melting pot for influence from the extremities of our region, resulting in an island state that perhaps best epitomises the unique character of our region.

As such, Malta, being equally comfortable with North as with South, and with East as with West, may be classified in the advantaged position of being able to view from more than one angle the agriculture related matters endemic to the Mediterranean basin. From this position, the apparent paradox of the diversity within uniformity that unites us, shows itself very clearly and underscores the importance of action being taken to ensure the preservation of this inheritance.

Much is now being said about Rural Development programmes and the recognition of the multi-functional role of agriculture. Agriculture was the first step taken by man in his march towards civilisation. This evolution comprised the move from fruit picking to product growing, and from hunting to animal breeding. Thus, the first settlements were developed, heralding the end of nomadic existence. From these early days, we see that agriculture and settlement development have been so closely intertwined that it is almost impossible to differentiate and extricate one from the other. That is where the root or crux of the multi-functional identity of agriculture lies.

And yet, when such terms are used as the latest development in day to day jargon, there is the possibility that they become just one or two more clich'?s, to be bandied around without due consideration being given to their import and significance in real terms. In such an eventuality, there will be the danger that such arguments and initiatives will be unjustifiably discarded as being just fronts for purely economic policies.

Colleagues,

It is an imperative "sine qua non" that these issues retain their perspective and relevance at the highest level of discussion and decision-making. The decision for the establishment of a Mediterranean Observatory is therefore more than welcome. Through the role being envisaged for this Observatory, besides providing an essential tool for the dissemination and interchange of information and experience, it will be possible for the idea of the specificity of the Mediterranean character within the multifunctional character of agriculture to be reinforced and promoted.

Also most welcome is the focusing on the issue of food safety within this context. We are in the wake of the crises that have hit, and hit hard, public confidence in certain agricultural products. These came on top of increasing consumer awareness of health aspects of certain foods. There is no doubt that our traditional fare, the so-called Mediterranean diet, in itself provides a substantial element of positive profile which, combined with stronger safeguards and watchdog mechanisms, should help in no small way to restore public confidence in agricultural products.

Another aspect that we would wish to be addressed is that of the assurance of supply. While times of war and other disasters, even natural, in themselves create enough of a justification for a certain degree of self-sufficiency and autonomy in food-supplies, particularly in islands and remote regions, there are also other situations in which such food-security is vital. The recent BSE and FMD crises have brought home to us very strongly the ease with which certain problems can radiate from their point of origin through contaminants being transported along lines of distribution. Immediate trans-frontier bans came into effect with consumers in certain areas finding some products in short supply. In my country's case, for instance, we relied heavily on the local industry for the supply of certain alimentary items, the importation of which was prohibited from infected regions. This industry would encounter difficulties were its greater contribution to the well being of the community be ignored and if its worth were to be measured solely through the cash-register eyes of the economic planner.

In conclusion, being one of the Ministers of Agriculture of this region which is as varied as much as it is typical, I wish to highlight the need and the urgency of evaluating in a holistic manner the issues we have for discussion, and namely:

the aspects of food safety,
the aspects of food supply,
the aspects encompassing the particularity of the Mediterranean rural and agricultural environment, the latter aspect with complete regard for the protection of the same environment.

Thus, after a comprehensive holistic evaluation, we shall be in position from where, with optimism, we may analyse and at the same time prepare modes of action for any future challenges to this sector. Needles to say, this all-encompassing exercise shall be the ideal and the logical way forward for agriculture sustainability in this Mediterranean region to which we proudly belong.

Finally, I thank the members of the Working Group who were entrusted with the preparation of this meeting. The useful and informative papers presented are evidence of their painstaking efforts during preliminary meetings. I also thank all the participants and organisers of this meeting for the opportunity given to myself, and indeed to all of us, to come together and share our experiences and ideas in synergy for the common benefit of all.

Thank You.