CIHEAM and the Ministry of Agriculture of Malta strengthen their collaboration

Valletta, Malta - Monday, March 17 – The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) and the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights of Malta (MAFA) have signed a significant collaboration agreement to establish a CIHEAM office in Malta and intensify their joint action in favour of agriculture, fisheries, and rural development in the Mediterranean region.

The strategic agreement, signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Anton Refalo, and Mr. Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of CIHEAM, aims to strengthen cooperation in the face of the pressing challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and food losses, as well as to support the necessary socio-economic transitions within food systems to ensure food and nutrition security. Recognizing the specific challenges the country faces, the agreement underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to find sustainable solutions.

Key initiatives include the establishment of a CIHEAM office within the Malta Agricultural Research and Innovation Hub to serve as a reference office for the organization in the country, the organization of regular events to promote CIHEAM activities and initiatives to local stakeholders, the implementation of joint collaborative research, technical assistance and training projects, the organization of joint conferences and workshops, and the exchange of experts and officials.

The Minister, Hon. Anton Refalo, and Mr. Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of CIHEAM, emphasized the importance of this partnership to generate new knowledge and promote innovation to meet Malta's specific needs. The agreement will combine efforts and expertise by fostering dialogue, the sharing of best practices, technology transfer, and the implementation of common and innovative solutions, as well as the inclusion of all stakeholders, notably women and young people.