The effect of the EU common agricultural policy on Maltese agriculture : the case of the tomato industry

Abstract

This study attempts to analyse the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on one specific sector of agriculture in Malta. As a backdrop, a historic perspective is given of the Community, highlighting the most important ideal of the Single Market, with the essential four freedoms notably the free movement of goods. The financial aspect of the EU pre- and post-accession funds in loans and grants is discussed and the financial imphcat10ns of Malta's accession are argued. The importance and opportunities of attracting foreign investments are discussed. Malta's relation with the Community is reviewed in the light of changing circumstances. The agricultural implications of the Association Agreement with the Community are deliberated. The effects of the Avis and its updated version are reasoned. The main theme running through this study is the essentialness of having a clear Government direction in what is feasible to achieve, how to achieve it through Planned re-structuring and the will to implement it. To this end this study dealt with the detailed shortcomings of the primary and secondary sectors of the tomato industry in particular so as to lay the basis for future modifications.