Whenever we think of local agriculture, we somehow think of elderly farmers hand-picking potatoes under the scorching Mediterranean sun. But this is an archaic mentality.

The mistaken perception that farmers are uneducated and unskilled should be scrapped completely. They now attend conferences and read for degrees at institutions like the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast), and their constant research makes them equal to any other Maltese student. Their knowledge, confidence and expertise are striking, as they passionately unveil the science behind soil and fruit.

Talking to local farmers certainly removes any under­estimation towards the agricultural sector. One realises the multi­functional role agriculture plays and its indispensable value.

Despite Malta’s limited agricultural land, we still manage to grow local varieties of food products such as bambinella (Malta June pear), potatoes, tomatoes and honey. Although imported produce might be more popular on shop shelves due to its cheaper prices and more attractive exterior, its taste surely does not compare to locally-produced food.

Although one might think Maltese agriculture can only be small-scale (to some extent this is true), major improvements and advances are taking place which might take it to another level; 43,446 kilograms of honey is being produced per year and exporting locally-bred calves to North Africa is being contemplated. There are even suggestions to invest in the necessary equipment to produce mazzit (black pudding) in slaughterhouses.

The Maltese should nurture their appreciation towards local produce to boost the local economy. Imported products certainly pose a threat to local farmers.

Fortunately, agricultural fests organised by local councils, and L-Imnarja are promoting the conservation of local varieties and the preservation of agricultural traditions. They serve as a showcase of what local farmers are able to produce and it gives them opportunity to improve the aesthetic value of their produce. By attending such events, people become more convinced that buying local is the way forward for Maltese agriculture to remain sustainable.

Moreover, not only are we preserving methods used by our ancestors but through academic involvement we are making room for sustainable refinements. Strategies are being adopted to prevent soil erosion, through the erection of rubble walls, so much so that one of the many courses Mcast offers includes mastering the art of terracing. Crop rotation and afforestation also deter loss of soil through wind and running water. Thus, agriculture is not only about reaping from the land, but also about preserving it.

Locally-grown food offers a feast for local consumers’ taste buds.Locally-grown food offers a feast for local consumers’ taste buds.

However, preserving the spirit of our ancestors does not close doors to experimentation. Alternative methods to food production are under way, with a local experiment in ‘aquaponics’, a method whereby crops are grown faster with less water by using fish manure rather than in soil. Furthermore, pesticides cannot be utilised as they would kill the fish. This is an example of urban agriculture, where crops are grown in an aquarium. It is therefore unjust to underestimate the Maltese agricultural sector.

Although imported produce might be more popular on shop shelves due to its cheaper prices and more attractive exterior, its taste surely does not compare to locally-produced food

Maltese society has changed its approach towards the natural environment, yet there is still so much to be done. Taking one’s family for a walk at Dingli Cliffs or l-Imtaħleb can be considered a sustainable investment, as this nurtures in the younger generations an awareness of what nature has to offer. It compliments initiatives like Ekoskola and the Young Reporters for the Environment, whose aim is to practise sustainability through implementation of environment-friendly values in tomorrow’s adults.

Through school trips to 34U sites, children are exposed to the advantages of afforestation from a young age. Recycling has now become a priority for the many Maltese households, as can be seen by the grey recycling bags they place outside their houses for collection. Dumping of bulky waste in the country side has plummeted thanks to the establishment of civic amenities.

Agritourism is slowly finding its feet in the Maltese islands. This can benefit farmers, tourists and Maltese alike, but it can still be a bittersweet experience in Malta. An Mġarr farmer said he had to resort to refurbishing his farm and start organising educational tours just to keep his income sustainable. Other farmers are making their fields more attractive and increasing their motivation to produce high-quality varieties for the visitors to taste. This has also led to the establishment of restaurants close to farmland, where local food is served.

Although Maltese farmers face difficulties, due to their limited land, they are slowly, but successfully, succeeding to give agriculture the prestige and limelight it deserves.

Our attitude towards our land determines our health and well-being. So we should not hesitate to prefer local produce; we are what we eat, and we will only know what we’re consuming if we buy it from the work-worn hands of its producer. Let’s not contribute to the eradication of Maltese farmers. Let’s educate our children about what is around them; let us take them for walks in the countryside, make them yearn for knowledge, and most of all, be of example.

All we need is a spark of interest. The spark will eventually ignite the candle of youth, which will, in turn, light another.

Federica Zammit is a science student at St Aloysius’ College Sixth Form. This article is based on her Systems of Knowledge project.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.