What percentage of Malta’s agricultural land is under organic cultivation?

Organic farming may be defined as an agricultural system that aims to respect natural life-cycles during the production of food. It contributes to a high level of biodiversity and the preservation of species and natural habitats, since it enhances soil life, natural soil fertility and water quality. Organic production also uses energy and natural resources responsibly, and promotes animal health and welfare. Between 2010 and 2011, the area of land cultivated using organic farming methods increased by 17.5 per cent, covering 25ha of the Maltese Islands in 2011. This represented approximately 0.21 per cent of total agricultural land and 0.22 per cent of Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA). In 2011 there were 15 certified organic producers in the Maltese Islands. It is estimated that in 2011, 29.6 per cent of the organically cultivated land was used for the production of fresh vegetables, melons and strawberries, 18.6 per cent for growing grapes, and 11.2 per cent for the cultivation of olives. In 2011, the area used for organically cultivated olives increased by 17.2 percentage points to 2.8ha, while that used for grapes increased by 14.9 percentage points to 4.6ha.

For more information see The Environment Report Indicators 2010-2011 at http://www.mepa.org.mt/teri2010-2011 .