This all comes despite the fact that the sector has been eligible to quite some funding. The NSO report notes that the agricultural sector was assisted through the delivery of a range of financial aid through EU-funded programmes — amounting to €25.4m — which helped the net operating surplus of the sector to increase by 31.4% €71.4m.

The sector’s output increased only by a slight 0.2% to €122.1m, while expenses incurred under intermediate consumption rose by 3.8% to €64.8m. Additionally, consumption of fixed capital increased by 6.4% to a total of €6.8m, while compensation of employees rose by 7.9% to €4.5m on total, according to NSO figures.

“Ultimately, upon adding the latter surplus to the negative net property income of €1.1m recorded in 2018, the net entrepreneurial income of the sector is estimated to have improved by 32.1% to €70.3m,” the NSO report says.

Although, produce coming from secondary agricultural activities has seen growth, it was offset by drops in crop production. Agricultural holdings were up by 7.3%, animal products increased by 1.9% and livestock products grew by 1.6%; while crop production fell by 2.9%, according to NSO figures.

Intermediate consumption, which measures specific expenses incurred during the production processes of the agricultural sector, was mainly marked by increases in livestock feeding expenses, energy and fuel costs by 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively, the NSO report adds.

EDITORIAL NOTE: For further details and representation of data see the NSO’s official report available through its website.

The post Maltese agricultural sector’s GVA falls 3.5% in 2018 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Agribusiness and four other vocational subjects were added to the secondary school curriculum in the 2015-2016 academic year, for both state and non-state (church and independent, respectively) institutions. The subjects are optional for students from From 3 to Form 5, and are accrited as SEC qualifications by the Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate (MATSEC) Examinations Board.

Currently 74 students are enrolled in studying SEC Agribusinesses, the DOI press statement says. Under the recently signed agreement, all students in Forms 3, 4 and 5 studying SEC and SEAC Agribusiness will have the opportunity to carry out the practical tasks of the agribusiness syllabus at the field/farm premises. The current partnership is scheduled to be launched as of the start of the 2019-2020 academic year, according to the press statement.

Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo believes Malta has to make efforts in attracting more of the youth to the agriculture industry, in order to enhance the sustainable development of the archipelago. The current programme is based on work-integrated learning and exposes students to practical knowledge for the young age, while also improves their intellectual abilities and makes them more employable, the press statement says. Parliament Secretary Clifton Grima adds that the initiative provides additional resources to the country’s educational system.

“Today, after reaching an agreement with the hotel industry and tying up the hospitality curriculum with the industry, we are celebrating another step in the right direction, that of reaching an agreement with the industry of agribusiness,” says Permanent Secretary Frank Fabri. “Through ‘My Journey’, there will be parity of esteem between all subjects and all programmes will be inclusive and equitable,” Mr Fabri adds.

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