AgriKonsulta is a dynamic national initiative launched in 2024 with the mission of providing professional guidance, scientific knowledge, and practical solutions to Maltese farmers. It was established to empower the local agricultural community to embrace sustainable and modern farming techniques that enhance productivity while protecting the environment. As part of Malta’s broader commitment to long-term sustainable agriculture, AgriKonsulta forms an integral component of the country’s agricultural support framework. The initiative is co-financed by the European Union, reflecting innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the agricultural sector at the regional level.
AgriKonsulta’s services are designed to respond to the evolving needs of farmers, offering personalized advice, field visits, and access to expert knowledge in key areas of crop and livestock management.
The initiative focuses primarily on two major pillars:
Through IPM, AgriKonsulta promotes a preventive, observation-based, and environmentally responsible approach to pest control. This strategy aims to reduce the overuse of plant protection products by encouraging natural pest management techniques, monitoring pest populations, and applying control measures only when necessary. By adopting IPM principles, farmers can help preserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and safeguard air and water quality, thereby contributing to a more balanced and resilient ecosystem.
In parallel, AgriKonsulta places strong emphasis on sustainable fertilizer use and farming practices, providing tailored fertilizer plans and recommendations on efficient agricultural methods that minimize any potential environmental harm. The initiative supports farmers through detailed soil and water analyses, helping them make data-driven decisions about nutrient management and crop planning. This not only enhances crop yields and profitability but also reduces nutrient runoff, protecting surrounding ecosystems and ensuring the long-term fertility of agricultural land. Ultimately, AgriKonsulta serves as a cornerstone for Malta’s sustainable agriculture movement, bridging the gap between traditional farming knowledge and modern scientific innovation, and guiding the rural community toward a greener, more productive future.
Another pillar of Agrikonsulta is related to the livestock on-farm advisory services initially focusing on the swine sector, designed to support Maltese pig farmers. The service aims to enhance sow reproductive performance, strengthen biosecurity and the subsequent prevention of diseases, improve on-farm record keeping, increase feed efficiency and overall farm productivity. By providing timely advice on sow management, this service helps farmers make better decisions, increase piglet output per sow per year, and achieve improved farm management and profitability. On a broader scale, it contributes to more consistent local pork production, strengthens national food security, and promotes a more sustainable and efficient swine industry in Malta.
