Dentist aims to go into agro-tourism

A dentist with a passion for farming has applied for a Malta Environment and Planning Authority permit to set up an agro-tourism complex on his land in Hal Far.

"Agro-tourism is picking up everywhere, so why not here? European tourists are accustomed to go on 'green holidays' everywhere, so they should have the option when visiting Malta too," George Sciberras said.

The idea, although somewhat popular overseas, has not yet really caught on in Malta. Mr Sciberras is keen on using his three hectares of land, complete with olive groves and vineyards and other indigenous produce, to start filling the void and create a niche market.

His plan is to build a structure in the centre of the land - a workshop/factory, with a cellar - where olives would be pressed, sun-dried tomatoes prepared and wine produced and stored.

The structure would be built from old stone to look like a farmhouse and blend in with the surrounding countryside, he said.

Mr Sciberras already produces wine on his vineyard of 10 tumuli, and intends to start producing oil from his 500 olive trees, as well as to preserve the olives.

Tourists could tour the site and observe the procedures of wine-making, oil-pressing and sun-drying of tomatoes, for example. Tasting sessions of the land's produce would also be organised, and the products could be bought if they were appreciated.

Figs, prickly pear plants and huge carob trees were already growing naturally on the land, said Mr Sciberras, who did not want them to go to waste and intended to produce the traditional liqueur from the carob trees.

If his project goes through, the idea would be to organise day trips to experience agricultural Malta. The outings would consist of guided tours around the land to learn about trellising and pruning, the type of grapes grown, as well as organic practices, among other things.

Mr Sciberras was, however, not aiming to build lodging for the visitors to stay on the property, as was the case overseas.

Malta did not pose any problems of distance, meaning that visitors could stay anywhere on the island and arrive in Hal Far in 15 minutes, he maintained.

Moreover, according to Mr Sciberras, there were more than enough hotels on the island.

He had considered the idea of setting up lodging on the land, but had decided to shelve it on the recommendation of the Agriculture Department to focus on agriculture and tourism and not go into catering and accommodation.

Mr Sciberras has been dealing with the department, which supports the project, he said.

He has been living in Hal Far for 15 years and works the land himself, with minimal assistance when necessary.

But, once the project kicks off, he would have to employ management to deal with both the business and the agricultural side of the initiative. A relatively new concept for the Maltese tourism market, it would have to be heavily promoted with tour operators, and guides would be required to show the visitors around.

Mr Sciberras is itching to get the project off the ground, but the target date for possible approval is set for February. The issue revolves around the fact that construction in a green area is "taboo", he said, adding that a policy for agro-tourism projects should be considered.

"The way things are going in agriculture, if you do not get your products and try to sell them yourself, it's just not worth the hassle."

The European Centre for Eco Agro Tourism, ECEAT, has over 1,000 addresses of small organic farms throughout Europe, where visitors are invited to put up their tents, or stay in a cosy farmhouse and other environment-friendly accommodation.

They can enjoy the hospitality of a farmer's family and take the opportunity to get in touch with the local culture and environment.

Together with regular farm activities, farmers could be providers of recreation possibilities, providing an opportunity to generate a reasonable income.