The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs is committed to continue the’Naturalment Malti’ campaign which started in 2009. From time to time, in the towns and villages around Malta and Gozo, feasts with an agricultural theme are organised as part of the campaign.

These feasts are targeted so that people are brought close to the origins of the local agricultural and fisheries products. The main attractions during these feasts is the selling of fresh agricultural produce by the farmers, herdsmen and the fishermen themselves, as well as cooking the fresh produce by professional cooks, livestock shows, as well as local trades.

As part of the ‘Naturalment Malti’ campaign a Tomato Festival is taking place in Kercem next Saturday and Sunday, the 11th and 12th of August. The tomato harvest is in full swing and Gozitan farmers will be there to share their stories of the tomato season.

Throughout the two days there will be a programme of activities, held mainly in Pjazza Orvieto. These will be related to the the Festival theme of tomatoes. Included in the programme are visits to tomato fields where the public will be able to see the process of harvesting tomatoes and even have the opportunity to join in.

A competition will be held with prizes for the best variety of tomato, these events will be open to both tomato growers and other farmers.

There will be around 40 pieces of machinery related to tomato production exhibited in the square, as well as fresh tomatoes and tomato produce on sale.

The main ingredient in the food served during the Festival weekend will be tomatoes. Those attending this special event will be able to taste genuine local ingredients while enjoying a programme of live entertainment on stage from 7pm till late.

On Sunday, the 12th of August the day starts with Mass in the square followed by marches played by the St Gregory Band. The exhibition of tomato produce and other artisan products will continue until noon.

There will be Bus shuttle from the ferry terminal to Kercem and back during the Festival events.

The event spread over two days, is being held by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, the Kercem Local Council, tomato producers in Gozo and Malta, the St Gregory Band of Kercem and Grupp Armar Ghajn Tuta.

The next Festival to be held will be in Spinola Bay, St Julians, on the 7th of September, in celebration of Lampuki season

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