CIHEAM and the Ministry of Agriculture of Malta strengthen their collaboration
Valletta, Malta - Monday 17 March – 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 cooperation agreement to establish a CIHEAM office in Malta and strenghten their joint efforts in support 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 the CIHEAM, aims to strengthen cooperation in response to 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. Acknowledging the specific challenges faced by the country, the agreement highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in finding find sustainable solutions.
Among the various key initiatives is the establishment of a CIHEAM office within the Malta Agricultural Research and Innovation Hub which will serve as a reference office for the organisation in the country. Other initiatives include the organisation of regular events to promote the activities and initiatives of the CIHEAM among local stakeholders, the implementation of joint collaborative research, technical assistance and training projects, the organisation of joint conferences and workshops, and the exchange of experts and officials.
Minister, Hon. Anton Refalo, and Mr Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of the CIHEAM both stressed the importance of this partnership in generating new knowledge and promoting innovation to meet Malta's specific needs. The agreement will allow the pooling of efforts and expertise, 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, especially women and young people.