A parliamentary question by Graziella Galea, Opposition MP and shadow minister for agriculture, has revealed that 13,282 farmers are currently registered in Malta.
The question was directed to Anton Refalo, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, who provided the data, but noted that the government does not keep records distinguishing between full-time and part-time farmers.
The locality with the highest number of registered farmers is Rabat (Malta), with 918, followed by Mosta (767), Siggiewi (798), and Zurrieq (580). At the other end of the scale, Isla has just 5 farmers, while Birgu has 7 and Floriana 8.
While these numbers paint a picture of a still-active farming sector, the reality for many farmers is far from simple. In recent years, Malta’s agricultural community has faced growing pressure from EU competition, with cheap imports often undercutting local produce.
Adding to that, farmers have reported the loss of agricultural land due to development, roadworks, and bureaucracy, leaving many struggling to maintain their livelihood.
Farmer protests, public outcry over ODZ (Outside Development Zone) encroachment, and debates on food sustainability have frequently made headlines in Malta over the past few years.
Yet, many in the sector feel more must be done to protect one of the island’s oldest tradition
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