According to Brian Vella, CEO of the Malta Food Agency, entering the agricultural sector from scratch in Malta has become an impossible feat for those who do not inherit land. The barrier is primarily financial, driven by a real estate reality that makes soil in Malta the most expensive in the European Union.

While an average hectare of arable land across the EU costs around 15,224 Euro, in Malta, that same patch of earth fetches over 201,263 Euro. This staggering thirteen-fold difference means landowners often find it more lucrative to sell their plots for alternative uses than to till them, creating a structural crisis for the nation’s food security.

The demographic shift is equally concerning. In an interview with this media house, Vella notes that the traditional pipeline of farming families has dried up. Where families once had many children, ensuring at least one stayed on the farm, modern smaller families and a societal push toward high-skilled professions have left the fields empty of local youth.

Farming is no longer seen as an attractive career path, a trend Vella admits is global but felt acutely on a small island with limited resources. Beyond the human element, Maltese agriculture faces a trifecta of environmental hurdles: a lack of fresh groundwater, extreme land fragmentation, and the increasing volatility of climate change.

Despite these pressures, Vella is adamant that Malta must maintain its own production. He compares local food to oxygen, arguing that while the country will always need imports to survive, fully relying on overseas supply is a dangerous gamble. Recent storms in early 2026 proved this point when supermarket shelves went bare after supply lines from Sicily were severed. To counter this, the Malta Food Agency is working to modernise the sector’s infrastructure. They have already digitized the Pitkalija market, introducing barcoding and a mobile app that allows farmers to track sales in real-time and consumers to trace their produce back to the specific field where it grew.

A significant part of the strategy involves addressing market failures caused by Malta’s small scale. Vella highlights a 3% tax incentive for farmers selling directly to the catering industry and plans for a Food Innovation Hub expected to open in the second half of 2027. This hub aims to solve the problem of overproduction; instead of wasting surplus tomatoes when prices drop, farmers will be able to use the provided infrastructure to process them into value-added products like salsa.

However, Vella notes that for these efforts to truly take root, Maltese farmers must overcome their hesitation toward cooperatives. To compete in a fast-paced market, individual growers need to unite to achieve better economies of scale. While the contribution of agriculture to the national GDP may be small, its role in maintaining a functional ecosystem is irreplaceable. By shortening supply chains to just a few kilometres, Malta offers a level of freshness that larger nations can only dream of, provided the island can find a way to keep its next generation of farmers on the land.

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“Non-hazardous waste increased by 18.2% (519,503 tonnes), while hazardous waste decreased by 3.3% (2,392 tonnes). Taking into consideration the total waste generation, the mineral fraction increased by 21.8% (502,983 tonnes) while the non-mineral fraction increased by 2.2% (14,128 tonnes).”

In absolute terms the highest increases were noted for non-hazardous Mineral waste from construction and demolition (323,198 tonnes) and non-hazardous Dredging spoils (131,989 tonnes). On the other hand, the most notable decreases were registered for non-hazardous Sorting residues (25,935 tonnes) and hazardous Discarded vehicles (21,482 tonnes), it said.

Waste treatment

In 2024 the total waste treatment amounted to 3 million tonnes, increasing by 14.6% (386,840 tonnes) in comparison to 2023.

Increases were registered for Backfilling (385,533 tonnes), Other disposals (175,010 tonnes) and Landfilling (14,937 tonnes). Conversely, decreases were recorded for Recycling (186,385 tonnes), Energy recovery (1,711 tonnes) and Incineration (545 tonnes).

When considering the location of treatment, the 2024 figures show that for the amounts treated in Malta, Backfilling registered the highest increase (385,533 tonnes) while Recycling experienced the highest decrease (198,010 tonnes). Regarding treatment in overseas facilities, the main increase was for Recycling (11,625 tonnes) while Energy recovery exhibited the highest decrease in absolute terms (1,711 tonnes), the NSO said.

“During 2024, increases were registered for the waste input into the Għallis landfill (9,435 tonnes), the Tal-Kus (Gozo) waste transfer station (829 tonnes) and the Sant’ Antnin Waste Treatment Plant (276 tonnes). On the other hand, decreases were registered at the Malta North Mechanical Biological Treatment plant (13,111 tonnes), and at the Marsa Thermal Treatment Facility (118 tonnes).”

In terms of weight, inert mineral waste is the major type of waste undergoing treatment in Malta. In 2024 the backfilling of Mineral waste from construction and demolition surged by 58% (381,727 tonnes). In contrast, recycling for this waste category declined by 13.6% (197,255 tonnes). In 2024 disposal at sea and backfilling for the remaining mineral waste categories both advanced by 175,010 tonnes and 3,806 tonnes, respectively.”

Separate collection of waste

In 2024, the collection from civic amenity sites and bring-in sites went down by 5,346 tonnes and 18 tonnes respectively. During the year under review, increases were registered in the door-to-door collections from households for the organic bag (2,444 tonnes), the grey bag (834 tonnes) and glass (299 tonnes). An increase of 887 tonnes was also registered for plastic, metals and glass that were collected by the Beverage Container Refund Scheme, the NSO said.

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With over a third (34.7%) of the Malta’s population reporting that such problems have affected their household, Malta recorded the highest rate for this metric by over 14 percentage points in comparison to the next worst European Union Member State, Greece.

Following Malta for how widespread these natured complaints were, were Greece (20.5%), Germany (16.8%), and France (16%).

On the other end of the spectrum, EU countries that reported the lowest share of their respective populations noting such complaints were Croatia (4.2%), followed by Sweden (5%), and Slovakia (5.8%).

Across the entire Union, 12.2% of the EU population reported pollution in their area to have affected their household. This marks a decrease of 2.9% since this was last reported by Eurostat in 2019, where the Union-wide percentage was 15.1%.

Malta is one of just seven EU countries that reported a percentage of at least 15% or over.

Following Malta, the next smallest countries in the European Union – Cyprus and Luxembourg – recorded percentages of 10.5% and 9.5% respectively.

Eurostat published that at EU level, exposure to pollution, grime, or other environmental issues increased with the degree of urbanisation. In rural areas across the continent, just 6.8% were affected; meanwhile, this share stood at 10.5% in towns and suburbs and 17.2% in cities.

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Designed to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability, the Energy Audit Scheme, by the Ministry now offers grants ranging from €2,500 to €6,000, ensuring more businesses can benefit from tailored energy and water usage assessments. This grant will make it more feasible for companies to carry out Energy audits, across an increased number of sectors.

Minister for the Environment and Energy Miriam Dalli praised the initiative’s potential to accelerate Malta’s progress in sustainable innovation. “We are committed to continue guiding our enterprises toward a more responsible future. By making energy audits more accessible, we are paving the way for businesses to adopt cleaner practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and safeguard Malta’s resources for generations to come.”

Beyond facilitating efficiency gains, the updated Scheme dovetails with the Malta Engineering Excellence Award (MEEA), which celebrates outstanding achievements in energy and water conservation.

As part of the initiatives surrounding the engineering awards, a total of forty trees were planted in Milbrae Grove in Mosta, an initiative launched through EWA’s Energy and Water Sustainability in collaboration with the Chamber of Engineers. This award aims to recognise private enterprises that implement projects significantly impacting energy and water usage. The tree-planting initiative was attended by representatives from EWA. Also present were members of the Chamber of Engineers.

The winner for the 2024 Award was STMicroelectronics for its Implementation of Advanced Water & Wastewater Treatment, which introduced industrial wastewater recycling, reducing 52,000 m³ of imported water, equivalent to 32% of the company’s total raw water consumption for 2023. The first runner up were Eden Leisure Group and Second runner up were Crane Currency and Busy Bee LTD.

Over five editions, the Award has seen 22 nominations, reflecting Malta’s growing momentum in sustainable innovation.

Eng. Charles Buttigieg, Chief Policy Officer for the Energy and Water Agency, expressed his satisfaction with the increasing interest in the Energy and Water Sustainability Award, stating, “Year after year, it is truly rewarding to see a growing interest from companies in participating in these Awards and also in our Energy Audits Scheme. This not only fosters the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprint but also inspires more businesses to take part and contribute.”

For more information on the Energy Audit Scheme or to submit an application please visit the EWA website energywateragency.gov.mt/energyaudits/ or contact energyefficiency@gov.mt.

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Over the past five years, there has been steady and consistent growth in organic waste collection, thanks in part to several government initiatives, such as the launch of a new national waste collection schedule. With this investment, WasteServ continues to future-proof the country’s waste management infrastructure.

The new facility, expected to be commissioned by 2028, will have the capacity to process around 74,000 tonnes of organic waste annually. This waste will be converted into renewable energy in the form of electricity and high-quality compost, contributing to a more sustainable circular economy. In 2024 alone, 35,000 tonnes of organic waste were processed, marking an impressive 67% increase over two years.

WasteServ said it is already successfully processing organic waste into renewable energy and compost. In 2024, this process generated enough renewable energy to power 967 households for a year, and produced 2,701 tonnes of high-quality compost. The new facility will enhance these efforts, increasing both compost and renewable energy production.

“The Environmental Impact Assessment has already been completed, and it concluded that the project has net environmental benefits, with the site identified and cleared, ensuring that works can commence immediately once the tender is awarded. This investment underscores WasteServ’s commitment to advancing Malta’s waste management sector while supporting national sustainability goals,” said WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca.

The design of the plant, which will be located within the ECOHIVE Complex, has also been carefully considered to integrate with its surroundings, with the overall structure designed to blend in with the landscape through the introduction of a curved architectural screen made of glulam, a sustainably sourced timber and landscaping. Additionally, the facility will include an administration block and a laboratory.

Bidders interested in this project have until 10 June 2025 to submit their offers.

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Addressing the conference’s opening, ATTO Chairman Joseph Bugeja highlighted the sector’s evolution over the years, noting ATTO’s critical role in shaping policy and advocating for industry needs. Recalling past challenges faced by Maltese international road transport operators, he underscored the importance of structured dialogue between the government, authorities, and industry stakeholders.

“Notwithstanding the unique challenges that Malta, as an island economy, continues to face, the haulage sector has come a long way through collaboration and perseverance. ATTO remains committed to ensuring that the interests of our members are safeguarded as we transition into an era marked by sustainability and digital transformation,” said Mr Bugeja.

He also pointed to ATTO’s recent milestones, including increased membership, stronger alliances with international organisations, and deeper engagement with policymakers. While acknowledging the sector’s resilience, he noted that adapting to complex EU regulations, improving infrastructure, and embracing sustainability remain ongoing priorities.

The conference was also addressed by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett who reaffirmed the government’s support for the industry and commended ATTO’s role in ensuring that Malta remains competitive.

“The challenges faced by the transport sector require the united approach that ATTO has been showing through its commitment to dialogue and policy-driven solutions that push the industry forward. Investing in our country’s transport and logistics infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity. This is why a stronger, more unified voice is essential for Malta to maintain its connectivity with the rest of the world,” Minister Bonett said.

The conference served as a platform for the signing of the first official Cooperation Agreement between ATTO and Transport Malta. The agreement, signed by Joseph Bugeja and Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia, represents a significant step in ATTO’s efforts to continue strengthening Malta’s transport sector and fostering more dialogue with its main stakeholders.

Discussions at the conference focused on the EU’s decarbonisation targets and transport digitalisation, both presenting opportunities and challenges. While carbon neutrality is crucial, transitioning to battery-electric and alternative fuel vehicles requires significant investment and infrastructure upgrades. Digitalisation can enhance efficiency but demands robust regulatory frameworks and technological readiness.

Stakeholders, including the IRU, INAG, financial institutions, and logistics operators, stressed the need for pragmatic policies balancing sustainability and economic realities. Malta’s transition to carbon neutrality is complex, requiring multiple alternative fuels, greater efficiency, and multimodal cooperation.

In his closing address, Tony Mifsud, General Secretary of ATTO, underscored the transport sector’s vital role in Malta’s economy and the importance of a united front.

“As we navigate the challenges of decarbonisation and digitalisation, a strong, united voice is essential for Malta to remain connected globally and ensuring that the country’s needs are recognised internationally is key to the industry’s future. Together, we can advocate for tailored policies that address our unique needs and ensure our industry’s resilience,” concluded Mr Mifsud.

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Waste generation

The total generation of solid waste in Malta during 2023 amounted to 2.9 million tonnes, increasing by 7% when compared to 2022. Hazardous waste increased by 62.7% or 28,446 tonnes, while non-hazardous waste increased by 6% or 159,406 tonnes. Taking into consideration the total waste generation, the mineral fraction increased by 8.6% (178,621 tonnes) while the non-mineral fraction increased by 1.5% (9,231 tonnes).

In absolute terms the highest increases were noted for non-hazardous Mineral waste from construction and demolition (179,387 tonnes) and hazardous Discarded vehicles (17,204 tonnes). On the other hand, the most notable decreases were registered for non-hazardous Household and similar wastes (22,738 tonnes) and Ferrous metallic wastes (18,400 tonnes).

Waste treatment

In 2023 waste treatment totalled 2.6 million tonnes, increasing by 3.1% or 79,413 tonnes over 2022. Increases were registered for Recycling (123,333 tonnes), Other disposals (5,721 tonnes), Energy recovery (5,118 tonnes) and Incineration (1,194 tonnes). Conversely, decreases were recorded for Landfilling (29,979 tonnes) and Backfilling (25,974 tonnes).

When taking into account the location of treatment during 2023, the figures show that for the amounts treated in Malta, Recycling recorded the highest increase (108,818 tonnes) while Landfilling had the highest decrease (30,164 tonnes). Regarding treatment in overseas facilities, all treatment operations showed increases with the most notable being Recycling (14,515 tonnes) followed by Energy recovery (5,118 tonnes).

During 2023, increases were registered for the waste input into the Malta North Mechanical-Biological Treatment Plant (17,935 tonnes) and the Marsa Thermal Treatment Facility (1,141 tonnes). On the other hand, waste that was landfilled at Għallis fell by 30,164 tonnes. Decreases were also noted for waste input into the Sant’Antnin Waste Treatment Plant (23,949 tonnes) and Tal-Kus (Gozo) waste transfer station (1,601 tonnes).

In terms of weight, the highest amount of waste treatment taking place in Malta was recorded for inert mineral waste. In 2023 the backfilling of Mineral waste from construction and demolition went down by 4.7% or 31,551 tonnes. Recycling for this waste category went up by 7.9% or 109,934 tonnes. In 2023 disposal at sea of mineral waste and backfilling of Other mineral wastes both advanced by 5,721 and 5,577 tonnes, respectively.

Separate collection of waste

The collection from the grey bag and bring-in sites went down by 5,084 tonnes and 273 tonnes respectively, mainly in response to the implementation of the Beverage Container Refund Scheme which collected 9,909 tonnes of glass, plastic and metals in 2023. During the year under review increases were registered in the collection from Civic Amenity Sites (6,830 tonnes), the organic bag (6,468 tonnes) and the door-to-door collection of glass (146 tonnes).

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The meeting focused on the government’s role in tackling climate change and strengthening collaboration between ministries and entities with the support of the CAA.

Minister Miriam Dalli emphasised that Malta continues to take bold steps and stressed that with courage, challenges can be turned into opportunities. She urged all ministries to prioritise future generations by dedicating more resources to concrete and collaborative measures.

Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana emphasized the need for strong collaboration between ministers, departments, and government agencies. He stated that the Climate Action Authority will serve as a catalyst for clearer policies and long-term strategic planning, ensuring that climate action is not the responsibility of one ministry but a national commitment. He also highlighted ongoing efforts within the public administration, including the adoption of electric vehicles in the public service and significant progress toward the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Engineer Abigail Cutajar reiterated the authority’s commitment to driving change across both the public and private sectors. She stressed that only through collaboration can Malta achieve a sustainable future for its people. She added that bold decisions, a long-term vision, and full coordination are essential for effective and lasting climate action.

The meeting concluded with a message of commitment and optimism, as the Minister thanked the Head of the Public Service and all officials for their support. “When the government speaks with one voice and works together, we succeed,” stated minister.

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Project Green has received the Planning Authority’s approval to create an open space in Triq Nerik Scerri, a site designated for development until a few months ago. The Lands Authority passed the Kirkop site to Project Green, along with three other sites in Lija, Luqa, and Ta’ Giorni, to develop a green space in an urbanised area.

A call for tenders will be issued soon. Once awarded, work will start on transforming the 1,600-square-meter plot into a multifunctional green space accommodating the Kirkop communities. Triq Nerik Scerri garden is within a 10-minute walk for approximately 300 households.

As with all of Project Green’s projects, this garden will underscore sustainability as its central theme. It will feature 59 trees to create natural shading, equivalent to a natural canopy of circa 600 square metres. Eco-friendly, porous pathways will be created around the garden for walking and bicycle use. To reinforce the eco-friendly approach of the project, Project Green expects 75% of the materials that will be used to be sustainably sourced. A water reservoir will be incorporated to ensure efficient irrigation.

Since the garden is designed to attract visitors of all ages and foster social connections, it will feature interactive play zones and a treehouse to provide a safe and engaging space for younger generations. Herb gardens and pollinator-friendly areas will seek the attention of those with green fingers. Picnic benches will offer a resting spot for visitors.

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli said: “Our aim is to provide residents in each community with an open space within a ten-minute walk from home. We are working to achieve that goal. This site and the three other sites represent our strategic move to create more open spaces where buildings are permitted.”

CEO Joseph Cuschieri said: “The Kirkop garden project embodies our commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused green spaces. By transforming this site into a multifunctional park, we are not only enhancing the area’s ecological impact but also providing a welcoming space for the residents of Kirkop. This project is part of our broader mission to build greener, more liveable neighbourhoods across Malta and Gozo.”

Project Green is currently handling a portfolio of 118 projects across Malta and Gozo.

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“Additionally, over the coming year, the Public Works Department will be undertaking 15 open space projects with a direct investment of €22 million. This investment complements efforts by other entities, reaffirming Government’s commitment to deliver higher quality and more open spaces within urban areas and beyond.”

This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia during a press conference at the Hospice Garden. This Garden, set to open in the coming weeks, will provide a peaceful environment where palliative care patients can meet their families.

Minister Dalli also announced that by the end of the year, Villa Portelli Gardens in Kalkara, a new space in Wied Inċita, Spencer Garden in Marsa, and Independence Garden in Birżebbuġa will be opened. Meanwhile, several environmental projects are underway, including 118 projects from Project Green, with an investment of €350 million aimed at improving the standard of living and the quality of the public environment, it said.

“Never before have we had a government that invested in such projects. A few days ago, we shared details on how Project Green is currently working on 118 projects with a €350 million investment, including the creation of new sustainable spaces in areas like Ħal Luqa, Ħal Kirkop, Ħal Lija, and San Ġiljan,” said Minister Dalli.

Among the projects is the development of an open space where the San Antnin recycling plant in Marsaskala once stood. The Minister emphasised: “We’re transforming former waste sites into public gardens to create a quality country, giving Maltese families spaces for peace and recreation. This is an investment in the health and future of our children.”

“Next year, we will open 19 more projects and start many others. Just recently, work began in Pembroke, where a concrete plot will be transformed into a garden. These projects are for families to enjoy, as we work towards a quality country,” concluded Minister Dalli.

Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia stated, “I firmly believe in the importance of having open urban spaces that serve as socially valuable areas for our communities. These spaces are not just about design or architecture, they are places where families can spend time together, children can play safely, and the elderly can find rest in a relaxing and serene environment.” He explained that the Department of Public Works will increasingly focus on how these spaces can serve as hubs of activity and life for local communities.

“The goal is for these to become gathering places where people forge social connections and strengthen community cohesion among residents. As a government, we are committed to continue investing in a country where open spaces serve much more than mere beautification. We want these to be socially valuable spaces for everyone’s benefit genuinely.” The Parliamentary Secretary added that the University of Malta will be a key partner with the Department of Public Works in this approach. “We will begin exploring innovative ideas on how these open spaces can be truly accessible and meet everyone’s needs. This collaboration will help us create environments that beautify our communities and contribute to a better quality of life for all families.”

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