Village Meetings

As part of the InfoNitrates campaign, thirty village meetings are being held in rural areas around the Maltese Islands. The outdoor campaign was launched on 16th May 2013 in Zurrieq. The first group of village meetings were delivered in the months of May and June, with more to be delivered during the months of September and October (refer to list below). This was done to avoid assembling people under tents during the hot summer months. The objective of these village meetings is to disseminate information on the Nitrates Action Plan to famers and livestock breeders via a presentation on the use of nitrates, after which a discussion is held between those present. An informative DVD and leaflet explaining the obligatory measures of the NAP was distributed to all those who attended the village meetings.

Trainers employed through the InfoNitrates Project were tasked with presenting the project, showing the DVD and discussing the way forward with their audience, apart from answering any technical questions that arose. A few trainers were also tasked to attend and prepare a stand at the MCAST Agribusiness open weekend on the 1st and 2nd June 2013. This national fair event, carried out on a yearly basis and which occurred at a prominent education centre for agriculture, benefited from a strong attendance. Trainers are inviting full-time farmers and breeders as well as part-time farmers tilling over 1.5 hectares to attend to these meetings in the nearest locality.

DVD Preparation and Distribution

20,000 informative DVDs were produced based on information that was provided by the InfoNitrates trainers and by the Nitrates Unit. Filming of farmers, breeders, agricultural landscapes and trainers working on the project was coordinated by the trainers together with a professional filming crew. The 20-minute audiovisual DVD was used to explain the InfoNitrates project, the effects of nitrates, the role of farmers and breeders, as well as farmer's obligations under the Nitrates Action Plan. The content of the DVD was presented during the official launch in Gozo and Malta as well as all village meetings. The DVDs were then distributed to farmers and breeders who attended the meetings so that they could review the content of the InfoNitrates video from the comfort of their home.

Freephone Service

A freephone service with the number 80074441 was set up to cater for any queries that farmers and livestock breeders may have with respect to the information related to the InfoNitrates project or on the Nitrates Action Plan. The freephone number was distributed to farmers and livestock breeders via an SMS, as well as featuring on all DVDs and brochures provided during the village meetings. The freephone number has been used thus far by the farming community to answer queries related to the project technicalities and on obligations of farmers related to storage and the ideal way to apply nitrates.

Visit to the Life AQUA project

As part of the LIFE+ project's networking activities, the project manager together with two InfoNitrates trainers were invited to attend the European Orientation Group meeting at the Italian city of Milan between the 20th and 21st of November 2012. This meeting was organised by the Research Centre on Animal Production (CRPA) who is managing the LIFE+ project, Achieving good water QUality status in intensive Animal production areas (AQUA). The aim of this meeting was to present the results achieved during the first year, 2011, of the AQUA project and to share the different experiences in the implementation of the Nitrates Directive with other European countries, such as Spain and Germany.

The AQUA project is designed to demonstrate how to reduce ground and surface water pollution from nutrients of agricultural origin by optimising the utilisation of nitrogen and phosphorus in livestock farms. Presentations given out during this meeting showed the different outcomes obtained so far at every demonstrative farm taking part in this project. Each presentation was followed by a short Q&A session.

The meeting comprised a visit to the dairy farm, Azienda Pinotti, in Pizzighettone, in the province of Cremona (Lombardy). Azienda Pinotti is one of the pilot farms taking part in the project. The farm has around 150 dairy cattle whose milk is sold to Latteria Soresina for the production of Grana Padano DOP. Apart from its up to date husbandry practices, the farm is also investing in manure storage facilities and treatment technologies. Being one of the test farms of the AQUA project, Pinotti farm benefits from a mobile solid/liquid separator which separates the solid fraction of manure from the liquid part. This visit enabled the InfoNitrates personnel to experience directly the effectiveness of the nitrates measures and the opportunity to interact with the farmer and ask him further questions. In fact, the farmer talked about his experience as part of the AQUA project and explained how he benefited from the manure separating service provided.

On the second day of the meeting, the InfoNitrates project manager gave a presentation on the project and explained the implementation process of the Nitrates Directive in Malta. After the presentation, the audience had the chance to ask further questions.

This visit in Italy was very important for the InfoNitrates personnel as it permitted the exchange of experiences, views and opinions, and provided them with a wealth of information that can be applied in the course of their work on the InfoNitrates project.

InfoNitrates Campaign Launched

The farmer, who delights in the name of Gakki, together with his friendly dogs, welcomed us on his field in Rabat. It is on Gakki's field that we conducted the first soil analysis as part of the InfoNitrates LIFE+ Campaign. The Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs Hon. George Pullicino opened the meeting by highlighting the objectives of the InfoNitrates Campaign.

Marilyn, one of our scientific officers, avidly showed the farmer and the press how to conduct soil analysis. The farmer watched attentively as the water in the three test tubes changed their colour to red, blue and grey; an event that seemed to captivate even the press.

Now, after months immersed in piles of paper, it is the time to get out in the field to meet the farmers and livestock breeders. We will be visiting them to inform them on their obligations under the European Nitrates Directive but also to equip them with tools, tips and advice on how best to manage their farming and breeding practices for the benefit of their health and the environment.

Press Articles:

• Nitrates campaign launched - (2012, October 16) - (di-ve.com)
• Vella, F. Farmers and livestock breeders to receive training on fertilisation management. (2012, October 17) - (The Malta Independent Online)
• Muscat, C. (2012, October 16). Kampanja biex jiġu kkontrollati n-nitrati fil-ħamrija - (maltarightnow.com)
• Dalli, M. (2012, October 16). Minister launches information campaign to manage nitrate in agriculture, livestock - (Malta Today)
• Campaign to manage nitrate use launched. (2012, October 16) - (timesofmalta.com)

Expression of Interest for the Position of Trainers For the Life+ Project - Information and Communications Campaign for the Proper use and Management of Nitrates in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs.

1. The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs invites applications for the position of Trainers for the LIFE+ Project - Information and Communications Campaign for the Proper Use and Management of Nitrates in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs.

2. A selected candidate/s will enter into an assignment for five (5) months to render his/her/their services as a Trainer/s for the LIFE+ Project - Information and Communications Campaign for the Proper Use and Management of Nitrates in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs. Unsatisfactory performance as Trainer for the LIFE+ Project - Information and Communications Campaign for the Proper Use and Management of Nitrates in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding during the assignment period will lead to termination of the assignment.

3. The selected service provider/s will be expected to provide the service for a 40-hour week service at a remuneration of € 1,353 per month, inclusive of VAT.

4. The duties of Trainer for the LIFE+ Project - Information and Communications Campaign for the Proper Use and Management of Nitrates in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding in the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs include:

(a) training of farmers and livestock breeders through various means including one to one meetings at various locations (including on farms and agricultural lands) or on-the-spot, on the implementation of the Nitrates Action Programme;

(b) operating the freephone service for the LIFE+ project; 

(c) training farmers and livestock breeders at the project management's offices. Trainers will also be present at strategic locations to assist any full-time or part-time farmers and livestock breeders in any query that they might have with respect to the project;

(d) providing assistance and training to farmers and livestock breeders during the village fairs, farmers and livestock breeders products' fair, national fairs and other exhibitions as necessary;

(e) internal training to other trainers and sharing of knowledge within the team;

(f) drawing up reports pertaining to numerous topics related to the Information Campaign, including but not limited to data obtained from meetings and conferences; 

(g) providing assistance to farmers and livestock breeders in utilising the Nitrate Database System in order to input information and obtain data from the system;

(h) providing technical advice to the Project Manager and the farming and livestock breeding community;

(i) collect data and information and compile it for review by higher officials in the preparation of various technical reports and monthly reports;

(j) assisting the farming community in taking, processing and analysing soil and demonstrating to all full-time farmers and part-time farmers holding over 1.5 ha of land how to use soil analysis kits and the proper interpretation of results;

(k) raise farmers and livestock breeders' awareness on the value and importance of participating in the project in order to become compliant with relevant legislation and standards;

(l) schedule and/or conduct and/or participate in information meetings and seminars organised as part of the campaign;

(m) assisting the Project Manager as required in the implementation of the campaign

5. Applicants must:

(i.) have the ability to communicate in the Maltese and English Languages;

(ii.) be in possession of, MATSEC Matriculation/Sec (Grades 1-5), or recognised comparable qualification/s, and/or GCE Certificates (minimum ‘C' Grade), or recognised comparable qualification/s showing a minimum of six passes at Ordinary Level, at MQF Level 3, two of which should preferably be science subjects;

(iii.) be in possession of a valid driving license.

Qualifications at a level higher than that specified above will be accepted for eligibility purposes, provided they meet any specified subject requirements.

6. Due consideration will be given to applicants who, besides the requisites indicated in paragraph 5, are:

i. Knowledgeable in crop production and/or livestock breeding

ii. Have an aptitude for horticulture and/or animal husbandry.

Traditional Agricultural Exhibition - Villa Rundle Gardens, Victoria

The annual traditional agricultural exhibition took place on Tuesday 14^th and Wednesday 15^thAugust, at the Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria.

The Agrarian Show, locally known as Il-Wirja ta' Santa Marija, is organized by the Agrarian, Industrial and Cultural Society of Gozo.

The Villa Rundle exhibition hosted more than 5,000 farm animals and song birds. The exhibits included horses, cows, sheep, donkeys, birds, poultry, ducks, and rabbits, locally grown fruits and vegetables, seeds, grains, and cereals. Other local produce, such as Gozitan cheeselets, locally produced wines, olive oil, honey, and jam, was put up for sale. Importers and distributors of agricultural machinery set up displays of tractors and lawn-mowers. Exhibits were placed in separate categories and during the closing ceremony trophies were awarded to the best exhibits for artisan works and crafts, vegetables, birds, poultry, and livestock, by Minister for Gozo.

A stand, to promote the Life+ Project, was set up in a prominent area of the garden, right in the centre, where a large number of visitors and fair participants passed by. The stand contained an overview of the aims of the InfoNitrates Information and Communications Campaign. Information handouts were distributed to a good number of farmers and livestock breeders. Many of these showed a high level of interest, and also gave positive feedback.