Razzett il-Fuklar Agro/Eco Permaculture proposal ‘BRIEF’
Please allow me to introduce our operative.
We were the first farmers in Malta to be awarded certification by the Malta Standards Authority for the production of organic farm produce. We later on found it necessary to change the Certification Body and we are now under certification with BioZoo srl of Italy (Code IT BIO 010). Our certification (operator code BZO AZT MT 00001)(copy of our current certificate is found at the end of this write up) covers the original 13 tumoli (approx 1.5 hectare) surrounding the farmhouse where we live, but recently we have purchased adjoining land, which will bring the total area to around 33 tumoli. At present we grow a range of crops according to season out in the open fields, but have obtained permits for 4 green houses, which will allow us to increase our production and range of crops. We actually specialize in fruit, especially grapes. The majority of grapes are wine grapes, the rest being table grapes. Our wine varieties include merlot, shiraz, Grenache, mourvédre, trebbiano, chardonnay, gellewza and girgentina. Other products include sun-dried press packed figs, carob syrup, extra virgin olive oil, capers and olives. We intend to include apiculture and cheese making to our activities.
It is notable to mention that both my wife and I are committee members of the Malta Organic Agricultural Movement (MOAM) and have successfully completed courses in organic farming and apiculture. We believe that conventional farming has its days numbered due to the competition posed by our nearby neighbour Sicily. Agro-tourism is a niche market that eliminates the middleman and at the same time puts a premium on local quality products, products that are grown by organic methods respecting the health of the grower, the environment and the consumer. For tourists to want to partake in rural activities, they surely must want the peace of mind and assurance that they are experiencing a holistically good thing. This is the type of branding Malta needs when it comes to our rural product. In fact we believe all Maltese farming should be encouraged to take this path and thus consolidate this organic/ecological branding of Malta.
The project we have in mind will have a number of beneficial effects on the area. It will incorporate land into one entity thus decreasing the age-old problem of land fragmentation. It will conserve the natural flora and fauna from the threat of toxic herbicides, pesticides and other inherently bad farming practices. It will enhance the prospects of the already scheduled valley basin to be preserved and visited by foreign and local tourists or students in a controlled manner. It will help keep illegal hunters and trappers, who frequently trespass the locality, away.
Rural activities that may be entertained include bike and horse trekking, wine/olive oil/cheese/apiculture tours, nature-study walks of the various flora fauna and eco systems, presentations of the various aspects of the Maltese rural scene by the appropriate bodies. All this may be experienced with the added advantage of purchasing naturally wholesome agricultural produce at farm gate prices.
The organic farm was conceived along Permaculture lines with the intention, also, to incorporate renewable energy generation from photovoltaic cell arrays and wind generators feeding into the grid through two way metering. Waterless composting toilets and grey water purification are also envisaged in the project.
