Government Establishes Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta Agency to Strengthen the Agricultural Sector
Statement by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights
Historic agreement between Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta and the Lands Authority
During the Public Service Expo 2025, an important agreement was signed between Riżorsi
Agrikoli Malta and the Lands Authority to allocate vacant government-owned agricultural land
for agricultural use in an organised and sustainable manner.
Through this agreement, agricultural land that has long been abandoned or is no longer
used for its original purpose will be transferred from the Lands Authority to Riżorsi Agrikoli
Malta. From there, Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta will create a national repository of agricultural land
to be allocated to young farmers, those wishing to enter the sector, and established farmers
seeking to expand their operations.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, explained, “This
agreement is a strong signal of how much this Government believes in the agricultural
sector. We are taking concrete action to bring agricultural land back to life, so that those with
the ability and will can work the land for the benefit of all. It is also a direct step toward
improving food security and ensuring a better future for farming in Malta and Gozo.”
Minister Refalo also emphasised that we often see abandoned land which, although visually
unappealing, represents a lost opportunity for the agricultural sector. This measure aims to
reintegrate such land into productive circulation, leading to more cultivated fields, high-quality
local produce, and a positive economic impact in rural communities.
On his part, the Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme,
Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, stated that this agreement is another important step in giving
greater value to agricultural land in Malta. “Thanks to this pilot project, the Lands Authority
will continue to maximise the agricultural resources it holds, while offering opportunities to
those interested in starting an agricultural activity.”
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed the importance of a transparent mechanism and lease
rates that reflect a fair price as agreed with the Lands Authority. He reminded that the
Government remains committed to implementing concrete measures in line with the electoral
programme and the 2025 Budget, to create a strong future for agriculture and for all those
working in this crucial sector for our country.
The allocation of land will be done on a lease basis, with the price set according to
Subsidiary Legislation 199.02. This will also facilitate access to agricultural land for those
who, despite their enthusiasm, have found it difficult to acquire land through conventional
means — particularly young people at the start of their careers in the sector.
This agreement forms part of the broader reforms the Government is leading in the
agricultural sector, to ensure that public agricultural resources are used efficiently and for
high-value purposes.
Establishment of Riżorsi Agrikoli Malta Agency – Press Release
