Thursday 23 November 2017

Networking for agriculture

An informal networking event was organised on Friday 17th of November 2017, at Margo's in Mistra Bay. This activity was open to all Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation (MaYA) Subscribers and Supporters.

Networking has been given top priority by the Foundation since farming imposes tough working schedules on those who choose this challenging line of work. People within the local agriculture industry had the opportunity to meet and share knowledge about current issues. Several young farmers, NGO representatives, students and other stakeholders were present.

During the networking session, attendees could savour a range of local wines coupled with gourmet pizzas.  The producers of wine served at the event were also present at the event and shared their experience about viticulture and wine production.

Wine and food were kindly sponsored by Merill Local Products and Margo's respectively.

For more information about future events, subscribe to our mailing list.

  

Friday 10 November 2017

MaYA Networking Event - 17/11/17


Join us for a free networking session on Friday 17th November at Margo's, Mistra (fill in the form below to register)

This is an informal event where we get to meet people within the agriculture industry and share knowledge about current issues.


  • Friday the 17th of November
  • Venue: Margo's, Mistra
  • 19.45hrs Registration
  • 20.00hrs Industry updates
  • 20.45hrs Networking 

The event is free of charge for both MaYA Subscribers and Supporters (learn more about the difference here).

Please fill in the form below to register:

The MaYA Foundation seeks to include ALL persons who have a genuine interest in local agriculture; producers, both hobbyists & professionals, policy-makers, processors, supply-chain managers, entrepreneurs etc. So feel free to invite more friends and partners to register for the event.

Nibbles and refreshments will be provided thanks to Margo's and Merill Local Products.




Monday 16 October 2017

Citrus Tristeza Virus; What's being done and how can we help?


Recently we have been asked to provide our supporters more information about the current situation related to citrus trees and the Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV). A video published by Le Iene is being shared on social media platforms showing the devastation this virus is causing in Sicily. 


Rightly so, Maltese farmers and fruit tree enthusiasts are worried about this threatening situation. Cases of CTV have already been detected locally, and owners of such trees have been asked to burn the trees to avoid any further contamination. So far the virus is contained but the question remains; what is being done to prevent further damage?

We have thus contacted the Plant Health Directorate about our concerns and they were glad to provide us with more information. 


Orange fruits - Photo by Jeanette Borg


What is being done to protect Maltese citrus trees?

The Plant Health Directorate is aware of the situation in Sicily and in this regard issued national measures in Government Notice 762, which can be accessed by clicking here. 

The Government notice lays down the following conditions for all movement of plants for planting and propagation material of all genera and species and hybrids of Citrus L., Fortunella Swingle and Poncirus Raf. (commonly classified as citrus) to the Maltese territory for personal or commercial use;

Movement of all citrus plant for planting and propagation material from all EU Member States should be notified to the Plant Protection Directorate at least 48 hours in advance of the entry of such plant material into Malta.

If citrus plants (other than fruit and seeds) belonging to the category “CAC” (Conformitas Agraria Communitatis) is moved from another EU Member State (excluding Sicily) to Malta, a copy of the official statement referred to in Schedule IV Part A Section II point 10 of S.L. 433.03 and that states that the plants originate from areas known to be free from CTV (citrus tristeza virus), Spiroplasma citri, Phoma tracheiphila and Trioza erytreae should be submitted. This statement shall accompany such material and it should be forwarded with the notification form.

In addition citrus plants (other than fruit and seeds) moved from Sicily to Malta should belong to the category “certified” which is indicated by a blue label in order to officially ensure that the material is free from CTV (citrus tristeza virus), Spiroplasma citri, Phoma tracheiphila and Trioza erytreae in accordance with Schedule IV Part A Section II point 10 of S.L. 433.03; and

Citrus plants for planting and propagation material should be accompanied by a Plant Passport;

Citrus plants for planting and propagation material which do not comply with points (a) to (d) above shall be withheld and may be destroyed by the Plant Protection Directorate in accordance with the Plant Quarantine Act (Cap. 433).

Contingency Plan for CTV

It is also important noting that the Directorate has set a contingency plan for CTV which is implemented whenever there is an interception or finding. 

Conservation Study


The Directorate is also conducting a conservation study of local citrus and has already a stock of virus free plants which were produced through in vitro techniques. A certification program is being discussed in order to make available certified local citrus trees on the market.


How can we help in the prevention against this deadly virus?

If any of you notice any citrus trees for sale without any labels (blue or orange) please contact us on info@maya.org.mt as soon as possible and we shall alert the responsible persons at the Plant Health Directorate.

Such trees might probably have been introduced on the market without the proper documentation.

Saturday 9 September 2017

Youth Exchange in Zaragosa


Greenhouse Malta organised an exchange together with their partners in August in a small rural village of Cerveruela near Zaragoza. Mr. Jorge Spiteri, admin at MaYA Foundation has participated at this exchange and shared with us his interesting experience. 

Jorge presenting workshop ideas

The concept behind this event was to reconnecting young people to nature through rural living. The urban lifestyle poses a reality on many of us and contrasts rural living in many ways. For this reason, participants explored the positive and negative aspects of the rural lifestyle and networked with other participants about opportunities in their respective countries. 


Discussions aimed at helping youth to develop their potential in rural areas, reawaken traditional art and practices whole reflecting on benefits to society and the environment. 

Jorge sharing his skill of making a granita using their local ingredients.    



Useful links:

Fondo Natural: http://www.fondonatural.eu/

Greenhouse Malta: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31991191407/