Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo announced the opening of a new Greengrocer’s Market in Gozo as part of a strategic Government initiative to strengthen the agricultural sector on the island and improve the working conditions of Gozitan farmers.
This initiative is responding directly to the challenges that Gozitan farmers were facing following the closure of the previous market, which led to many of them having to transport their produce to Malta and this was creating inefficiencies, additional costs and operational pressure on farmers.
Therefore, with the opening of this Pitkalija, farmers will now have a dedicated platform where they can sell their produce directly in Gozo itself. This will strengthen market access, increase farmers’ independence and improve the efficiency of agricultural operations.
At the same time, this initiative will lead to greater availability of fresh and local products for Gozitan consumers, while encouraging healthier consumption and strengthening trust in local products.
The project is also an important contribution to the economic development of Gozo, as it will create new employment opportunities in areas related to agriculture, logistics and market operations. Furthermore, it will help in the preservation of traditional agricultural practices that are an essential part of the Gozitan identity.
From an environmental perspective, the Gozo Greengrocer’s Market will contribute to shorter supply chains by reducing the need for inter-island transport. This will not only reduce the environmental impact, but also improve distribution efficiency and reduce food waste, while ensuring that the produce reaches the consumer fresh.
The Ministry has also invested in the renovation of facilities and the introduction of modern systems to ensure that the operation of the Pitkalija is efficient, transparent and compliant with modern standards of hygiene, traceability and coordination between vendors.
Minister Anton Refalo said that this project is an important step towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system. He stated that “with the opening of Pitkalija in Gozo we are giving back to farmers an essential platform to continue developing their work, while strengthening the local economy and increasing food security in our country.”
He added that the Government remains committed to continuing to invest in infrastructure and initiatives that strengthen the agricultural sector, while promoting sustainability and efficiency throughout the entire production and distribution chain.
The Minister concluded by saying that this Pitkalija is a clear example of how targeted investment can create a fairer, more efficient and sustainable system for farmers and the entire community.
The Chief Executive of the Malta Food Agency, Brian Vella, said that “this project is a decisive step in reviving agriculture in Gozo and concretely addressing the challenges faced by Gozitan farmers. The opening of the Pitkalija in Gozo is a new market as well as a strategic investment that strengthens local production, improves market access and reduces unnecessary dependencies on off-island systems. This project will create a more efficient system that benefits both producers and consumers. Through modern infrastructure and better coordination, we are establishing a strong foundation for the future of the agricultural sector in Gozo.”
The Chief Business Development Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Justin John Camilleri, said “the opening of Pitkalija in Gozo is an important step towards a more integrated and efficient agricultural system that places farmers at its centre. This project is reducing unnecessary operational dependencies and creating a more accessible and sustainable market for local produce. At the same time, it brings economic, social and environmental benefits including the creation of new opportunities and the support of rural livelihoods, to the reduction of environmental impact through shorter supply chains. This is a strategic investment that strengthens the resilience of Gozo and lays a solid foundation for the future of the agricultural sector as well as the food sector.”
Photo: MAFA
