Malta Food Agency CEO: Agriculture has a future and demand for Maltese food will keep growing

Malta Food Agency CEO Brian Vella has expressed optimism about the future of Malta’s agricultural sector, noting a growing appetite among farmers to diversify and add value to their produce.

Speaking about the agency’s ongoing work to strengthen links between producers, farmers, and major supermarkets, Mr Vella tells BusinessNow.mt:

“The bridges we are building as an agency – and the way we’re getting involved between producers, farmers, and the main supermarkets in Malta – are showing results. Lidl, for instance, began using Maltese products last year as part of its operations, and it’s clear that both the company and consumers appreciate seeing Maltese produce on those shelves.”

He acknowledges that the sector faces persistent challenges, particularly when it comes to demographics and the ageing population of farmers.

“I am confident that agriculture, despite the demographic challenges – meaning age and the lack of interest from young farmers, which is obviously not a problem unique to Malta but one that exists across Europe – still has a future,” he says.

“It’s important that incentives and EU funds continue to be available so that young people remain part of the agricultural sector.”

Despite these difficulties, Mr Vella says the agency is observing a “new and different appetite” among producers, pointing to a shift toward value-added and small-scale commercialisation.

“Today we are seeing a phenomenon where many producers are also packaging their own products. For example, we now have producers who are packaging olives, honey, jam, sauces, even salt, among others,” he said.

According to Mr Vella, many of these efforts began as hobbies but are gradually developing into commercial ventures.

“From what began as a pastime, we are seeing a move towards the commercialisation of these products,” he said. “As an agency, our role is to give value to the food sector in Malta, and we’re seeing this growing interest among farmers.”

He remains optimistic about the years ahead, especially as consumer attitudes continue to evolve.

“I believe the agricultural sector has a future. I believe that the demand for food will increase, and that the demand for Maltese food will continue to grow,” Mr Vella states.

“Consumers want fresh, Maltese products, and they’re also realising that the more we buy local, the more we’re helping sustain that culture in Malta.”

Mr Vella’s comments come as new initiatives – such as The Food Coop, Malta’s first community-owned food co-operative – are helping to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, offering new channels to showcase and distribute local produce while keeping profits within the community.