The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, together with the Public Abattoir and the Paola Local Council, will be organising the ‘Platt fil-Pjazza – Paola’ event, which will celebrate traditional Maltese food, provided among others by farmers and ranchers.
While this event will feature entertainment and traditional food and drink for the whole family, it will highlight the value of Maltese food heritage and the culinary and gastronomic practices that one can adopt to shape a more sustainable future. There will also be a variety of stands with fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, as well as products from local cooperatives and organisations including the Xirka Produtturi Nagħaġ u Mogħoż and the Koperattiva Ta’ Min Irabbi l-Majjal – KIM.
Among these, the Xirka will be standing out as it has just obtained the status of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) like the Ġbejna Għawdxija – an important step that further highlights the quality and authenticity of this distinctive Maltese product. In addition, the Paola Basilica will be open to the public during the event, where one can also visit the renovation work of the portico.
From the portico, visitors will be able to enjoy a unique view of the square and the ongoing activity. Minister Anton Refalo explained, “An activity such as this shows how best practices in processing and marketing can unleash the full potential of our locally grown products. This is being done by working together, making it easier for farmers and producers to bring distinctive high-quality products to consumers, while encouraging responsible consumption and reducing waste.”
This activity also links to the Malta Sustainable Development Action Days 2025, with the theme Your Actions, Our Future. This is especially in the efficient use of resources in meat processing and the lack of waste through circular practices. This also leads to a reduction in emissions generated by food waste, and therefore continues to contribute towards climate action. Such activities also contribute towards the economic growth of the agricultural sector as they strengthen the processing of meat and by-products, as well as supporting small producers and cooperatives.
Chief Operations Officer of the Public Abattoir Pierre Farrugia said, “This year we are also expanding our range of pork by-products, continuing to emphasize making the best use of by-products and less popular cuts. By finding new uses and markets for these resources, we are helping to build a stronger and more resilient food system that benefits everyone, from producers to the wider community.”
Paola Mayor Jason Silvio together with Councillor Darren Lynch, while thanking the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, reiterated the importance of such activities in the heart of Maltese towns and cities, which continue to foster in residents a sense of appreciation for the work of farmers and ranchers.
The event will be held at Antoine De Paul Square, Paola on Friday 19th September from 19:30 onwards.
Photo: DOI/MAFA
