Gozo farmers market opens supporting local growers and consumers

A new farmers marked has now opened in Gozo, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo announced that this market will ”strengthen the agricultural sector on the island and improve the working conditions of Gozitan farmers.”

He explained that this initiative is ”responding directly to the challenges that Gozitan farmers were facing after the closure of the previous market, which led to many of them having to transport their produce to Malta and this was creating inefficiencies, additional costs and operational pressure on farmers.”

Refalo stated that ”farmers will now have a dedicated platform where they can sell their produce directly in Gozo itself. This will strengthen market access, increase farmers’ independence and improve the efficiency of agricultural operations.”

At the same time, the Minister said that this market will lead to ”greater availability of fresh and local produce for Gozitan consumers, while encouraging healthier consumption and strengthening trust in local produce.” To date, no details were provided as to the locality of the Pitkalija.

Refalo stressed that ”the project is also an important contribution to the economic development of Gozo, as it will create new employment opportunities in areas related to agriculture, logistics and market operations. In addition, it will help preserve traditional agricultural practices that are an essential part of the Gozitan identity.”

”From an environmental perspective, the Pitkalija in Gozo will contribute to shorter supply chains by reducing the need for transport between the islands,” stated Refalo. ”This will not only reduce the environmental impact, but also improve distribution efficiency and reduce food waste, while ensuring that the produce reaches the consumer fresh.”

He added that the Ministry has also invested in the renovation of facilities and the introduction of modern systems to ensure that the operation of the Pitkalija is ”efficient, transparent and compliant with modern standards of hygiene, traceability and coordination between vendors.”

Refalo maintained that “with the opening of Pitkalija in Gozo we are giving back to farmers an essential platform to continue developing their work, while strengthening the local economy and increasing food security in our country.”

The Chief Executive of the Malta Food Agency, Brian Vella, said that “this project is a decisive step in reviving agriculture in Gozo and concretely addressing the challenges faced by Gozitan farmers. The opening of the Pitkalija in Gozo is a new market as well as a strategic investment that strengthens local production, improves market access and reduces unnecessary dependencies on off-island systems.”

The Chief Business Development Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Justin John Camilleri, said “this is an important step towards a more integrated and efficient agricultural system that places farmers at its centre.”

Photo: DOI