In the first months of 2026, EXCEL4MED continued to strengthen its presence in Malta through its implementation by Koperattivi Malta, bringing forward important conversations on sustainability, innovation, and the valorisation of agricultural by-products. As the project enters its final stages, Koperattivi Malta has remained active in ensuring that the project’s objectives are shared not only with partners but also with the wider public.

One of the major highlights was EXCEL4MED’s participation at the AgriFair 2026 held between the 17-19th of April, where more than 20,000 individuals visited the fair. Through its interactive exhibition, the project reached a wide audience and helped raise awareness on how agricultural side-streams, particularly citrus waste, can be transformed into valuable resources. Importantly, over 3,000 school children had the opportunity to engage with the exhibition, making the activity especially meaningful in promoting sustainability among younger generations.

Earlier in January, Koperattivi Malta also hosted the EXCEL4MED partnership in Malta for a consortium meeting, bringing partners together to discuss the project’s aims, objectives, and final implementation steps.

In addition, Koperattivi Malta participated in educational outreach events, including the Farmers’ Market at the University of Malta Quadrangle, hosted by the University of Malta Student Council, and an interactive session with school children at Chiswick House School. Further outreach activities were held including with the Food Coop Members established by Koperattivi Malta in late 2025.

This article is a part series of the EXCEL4MED project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, which aims to boost innovation in the agri-food sector across Malta, Greece, and France. With its website now fully available in French, Italian, Spanish, and English, more stakeholders, including researchers, producers, policymakers, and consumers, can engage with the project in the language they feel most comfortable with. Read more on: https://excel4med.eu/.

Koperattivi Malta is proud to support this initiative in collaboration with
@EXCEL4MED @MaltaFoodAgency @MaltaEnterprise @TheMaltaChamber @UniversityofMalta @SmartAgroHub