Some effects of EU membership on the Maltese agro-food industry

Abstract

The agro-food industry contributes a small share to the economy's GDP. Nonetheless it still plays an important role in terms of the country's economic structure and socioeconomic aspirations. This study examines selected effects that EU membership has had on the agro-food industry and the management of its respective enterprises. Prior to membership the agro-food industry was highly protected and thus it is important to see how this vulnerable industry has indeed been affected since Malta's entry in the EU. Like most studies, time and word limitations mandated a focus on a particular sector of the agro-food industry specifically the pork and beef processing industries. The conceptual framework of the study is based on four main components. First an overview of the agricultural sector is given in order to show the ties that the agro-food industry has with this sector. Secondly an overview of the beef and pork processing industry and its distinguishing characteristics having policy and managerial implications is given. Thirdly the study identifies some of these implications and sets out to explore effects arising from EU legislation. As these are found to be concerned with management, the study finally deals with the major managerial implications of EU membership.