The agricultural festival held annually during the traditional feast of Mnarja at Buskett is a local event awaited for by both locals and foreigners. It is an opportunity for agricultural stakeholders to display their produce while promoting traditional Maltese folklore. The two-day event this year included the participation of National Rural Networks representing 19 Member States with information stands about their agricultural and best practices.

The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs through the Managing Authority for Rural Development presented a showcase of projects financed as well as provided information on the funding opportunities that exist. The event was part of the programme of a 4-day European Rural Network Conference organised by the European Commission and hosted by the Maltese National Rural Network within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs.

Following the Imnarja event, the 9th National Rural Network meeting was held in which DG AGRI discussed the contributions that each country presented on the reform on the Common Agricultural Policy post-2013. Participants were also given the opportunity to discuss priority topics of common interest related to NRN thematic initiatives as well as future activities planned.

During the 4-day conference, participants were also taken on cultural and agricultural fieldtrips as part of the planned activities.

Further information on this event and other issues related to rural development can be accessed from the following link: http://enrd.ec.europa.eu/