The Malta Sociological Association welcomes the development of a long-term National Agricultural Policy for 2027–2037, particularly its focus on sustainability, resilience, food security, agricultural land protection, generational renewal, and governance. The policy rightly recognises that agriculture is not only an economic activity but also a social, cultural, and environmental asset.
The Association recommends the mainstreaming of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) throughout the policy cycle, including policy design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Agricultural policies have significant implications for rural communities, farmers' livelihoods, food security, social inclusion, intergenerational equity, community wellbeing, and quality of life. Systematic assessment of such impacts can help identify intended and unintended consequences, strengthen stakeholder participation, and support more evidence-based and sustainable decision-making.
The Association therefore proposes that social impacts be considered alongside economic and environmental considerations in future agricultural legislation, programmes, support schemes, and governance mechanisms arising from this policy. Such an approach would contribute to a more holistic and sustainable agricultural sector for Malta.
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