Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, together with the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri, officially opened the first community Food Coop in Malta. Also present for the opening were Brian Vella, Chief Executive of the Malta Food Agency, and Daniel Schembri, Chief Executive of Koperattivi Malta.
This historic event marks an important moment not only for the local community but for the entire country, as it marks the beginning of an economic model based on cooperation, sustainability and solidarity.
The Food Coop is the fruit of a dream that became a reality thanks to the vision and work of many individuals who believed in the power of cooperation. This project not only offers a space where one can buy daily food, but symbolizes a change in the way society looks at consumption, local produce and environmental well-being.
In this shop one will find a wide range of products all locally produced in the Maltese and Gozitan islands, from fruit and vegetables, to dairy products, meat and others. All products are of high quality, carefully selected to support Maltese farmers, ranchers, producers and small businesses.
The project also focuses on strengthening the local economy, by shortening the supply chain and ensuring that any investment in this location continues to benefit families, producers and the environment. All of this leads to reduced emissions and a more sustainable and fairer economy.
What makes the Food Coop truly unique is the fact that it belongs to everyone. The Coop is owned by its members and therefore anyone living in Malta or Gozo can become a member, join the management, and decide on its direction. Through internal democratic processes, every member can offer their contribution in general meetings and in the administration of the shop.
This means that the main goal of the project is not profit, but to provide access to healthy, local food at a fair price for everyone, while strengthening the sense of community and respect for the work of those who produce food that keeps the country moving forward.
Minister Anton Refalo said that this project reflects the Government’s vision to bring the consumer closer to the food chain while embracing the principles of the European Farm to Fork strategy. He added, “The Food Coop is a concrete example of how we can build a more sustainable food system that pays tribute to the local producer. This project has a direct impact on farmers, ranchers, producers and consumers by creating a direct link between them, and shows what can be achieved when the community works together for a common goal.”
Minister Silvio Schembri said, “Cooperatives are an economic model that has been with us for many years, but it is a very resilient economic model. With this shop we are seeing a model of a fair economy where every euro spent goes back to the provider of the product. I hope that this first shop will be one of many.”
The Chief Executive of the Malta Food Agency, Brian Vella, said that this is another step that will translate into more opportunities so that the products of Maltese and Gozitan farmers, ranchers and producers continue to reach consumers.
Koperattivi Malta CEO Daniel Schembri said that this is a historic moment for the local community who will enjoy access to Maltese food at advantageous prices. He continued by saying that this could be among the largest cooperatives in Malta because every adult can become a member and beneficiary.
Finally, the organizers thanked the founding members, Koperattivi Malta, local producers, volunteers and all those who believed in the project and contributed to making this dream a reality.
The community Food Coop is expected to become a model of how Maltese society can embrace a fairer, more sustainable economy built on cooperation between people.
Photo: MAFA/MEEP-DOI
