A year after the farmers’ protests across Europe, farmers in Malta have once again raised their voices to highlight the mounting challenges they face. Today, farmers grapple with declining populations, urbanization, climate change, and economic pressures that threaten the sustainability of local agriculture. Notably, agricultural land in Malta is under severe pressure. Farmers told Times of Malta that one tumolo (approximately 1,100 sqm) of land is valued at around €100,000, with prices varying from €80,000 to over €100,000 depending on factors such as water and electricity access or existing infrastructure. In stark contrast, Eurostat estimated that in 2023, the average price per hectare of arable land—comprising about nine tumoli—was just over €283,000, making Malta’s arable land the most expensive in the EU, at 24 times the EU average.
Malta’s agriculture, biodiversity, and food security are at a critical crossroads. With over 10,400 farms—90% of which are less than two hectares in size—local farming is essential for preserving our cultural and environmental heritage. As an island nation, food security is paramount, especially given the current volatility in food prices driven by global conflicts.
Malta’s agricultural policy was designed to address these challenges through four key objectives: increasing competitiveness by enhancing product quality and diversifying farming activities; facilitating the entry of young farmers by creating a cost-effective agricultural environment; fostering sustainability by adapting farming methods to local conditions; and ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agriculture rather than being converted into real estate. However, these policy aims are clearly failing in practice. Farmers have raised concerns about the lack of implementation, particularly noting that the sale of arable land for recreational use has driven up prices and undermined local agriculture. Last September, 24 agricultural societies and the Chamber of Architects appealed to the government to put an end to this unsustainable practice.
In response, Friends of the Earth Malta’s FAB campaign has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for change. We have launched initiatives such as the Malta Farm Map, which connects people directly with local farmers, and organized community events that promote local produce, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity. Our campaigns include educational workshops, community garden sessions, and public discussions aimed at engaging both youth and rural communities in the fight for food sovereignty and environmental resilience.
By amplifying the voices of local farmers and addressing the economic and policy challenges they face, we strive to foster a fairer, more sustainable agricultural system. Our work emphasizes the urgent need for policies that support local production, protect valuable farmland, and recognize the environmental and social contributions of agriculture. Ultimately, by protecting our agricultural heritage, we not only secure healthy, locally sourced food but also preserve a critical part of Malta’s food security, and rural environment for future generations.
References
https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116855/malta_subsidy_to_mitigate_impact_of_ukraine_war_on_grain_prices_gets_brussels_green_light