IEmpty shelves further underline the urgent need to invest in Maltese produce and producers

The Partit Nazzjonalista stresses the urgent need to strengthen local production, with greater support for farmers, livestock breeders, Maltese producers and businesses operating in this sector.

The news that supermarket shelves in Malta have been left empty because of protests and transport disruptions in Italy should serve as a warning of how vulnerable our country can be when it depends on food imports.

The Partit Nazzjonalista has long insisted on the need for serious investment in Maltese farmers, livestock breeders, fishers and producers. We urgently need policies that help them grow, reduce their costs and remain competitive, while strengthening our country’s capacity to produce more food locally, before we lose more of them.

At the same time, we must provide greater support to the self-employed, small businesses and cooperatives operating in this sector, which play an important role in the production, processing and distribution of local products. These businesses need the tools to grow, reduce their costs and gain better access to the market.

Local production is not simply an economic issue. It is also a matter of national security and peace of mind for Maltese and Gozitan families.

The Partit Nazzjonalista believes that food security should be a national priority, rather than something mentioned only when a crisis arises. While imports remain essential for our country, we cannot continue to depend on them without doing everything possible to strengthen local production.

We must invest in Maltese producers today so that tomorrow we are less dependent on what happens beyond our shores. Investing in them means investing in our economy, in the future of small businesses and in food security for Maltese and Gozitan families.

Toni Bezzina
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply

Michael Piccinino
Shadow Minister for the Self-Employed, Small Enterprises and Cooperatives

21.10.2026