Written by Mario Fava, President of the Malta Local Councils’ Association

Recently, we learnt that Lidl Malta will begin selling Maltese agricultural products in its stores. This is a significant achievement for Maltese farmers and an essential step towards greater support for local products. For many years, farmers have faced serious challenges in finding a competitive market for their produce.

The Importance of This Initiative for Maltese Farmers

Maltese farmers have struggled to commercialise their products for years, dealing with tough competition from imported goods and a lack of large-scale retail opportunities. With the introduction of Maltese agricultural products in Lidl stores, farmers will benefit from greater exposure and visibility. Lidl is a supermarket chain that attracts thousands of customers daily, and having Maltese products on its shelves will provide massive exposure for local produce. Additionally, Lidl’s direct procurement approach will offer farmers fairer conditions and better prices, as they often have to sell through intermediaries, which reduces their earnings. Furthermore, since Lidl operates on a national scale, farmers supplying the chain will enjoy more regular and stable sales, ensuring a predictable revenue stream and a more secure income.

The Importance of Protecting and Supporting Maltese Products

This collaboration serves as a reminder of a fundamental principle: if we want to sustain Maltese agriculture, we must support our local products. Today, Maltese markets are flooded with imported goods, often priced lower, but this negatively impacts the local economy. Choosing imported products over local ones results in economic losses for Maltese farmers and livestock breeders, reduces agricultural production in Malta as farmers struggle to compete, and increases our reliance on imports, which can be problematic during crises, as demonstrated during the pandemic.

What Did We Learn from the Pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated the importance of having a strong local agricultural sector. When import restrictions were imposed and international supply chains faced disruptions, local products became essential. Maltese agriculture was vital in ensuring fresh produce remained available when imports declined. During this period, many consumers developed a greater appreciation for local products and recognised the importance of supporting them. Additionally, as local produce gained more recognition, many farmers who had been considering leaving the sector found renewed motivation to continue.

The Future of Agriculture in Malta: An Opportunity for New Generations

An initiative like this, combined with opportunities provided by EU funding and continuous government support, can lead to positive and sustainable change in the Maltese agricultural sector. In the past, many farmers’ children left the agricultural sector, viewing it as an economically unviable career. However, this reality can change if we create an environment where farmers have access to a fair and sustainable market. If they know they can sell their products at a fair price, they will be less likely to seek alternatives outside of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, investment in new agricultural technologies, advanced irrigation systems, and more efficient production methods can make farming more productive and less labour-intensive, helping agriculture become a modern and viable sector. If farming becomes attractive to young people again, they will be more inclined to take over their family’s land and continue the agricultural legacy.

This is a crucial issue for our country. If we fail to support the agricultural sector, local food production could drastically decline, leaving Malta almost entirely dependent on imports.

A Step in the Right Direction, but More Needs to Be Done

Lidl Malta’s decision to start selling Maltese agricultural products is a very positive step that can have a significant impact on both farmers and consumers. However, this should only be the beginning of a more significant shift. All retail chains in Malta should follow this example and allocate more shelf space to Maltese products. Additionally, the government should continue supporting farmers through incentives and schemes that help them compete with imported goods.

As consumers, we also play an essential role. Every time we buy a local product, we directly support Maltese farmers and ensure that agriculture in our country remains strong and sustainable. Through collaboration between retailers, the government, farmers, and consumers, we can ensure that the children of today’s farmers continue in their ancestors’ footsteps, securing a viable future for Maltese agriculture for generations to come.