It was a windy morning in the Maltese countryside, the kind of day when the breeze carries both the scent of earth and the hum of distant tractors. Yet, as I arrived to meet Joe Cassar, a local farmer and cooperative member, the chill in the air was quickly replaced by the warmth of his passion. His joy when speaking about farming and education was like a sunrise breaking through grey clouds 

Our conversation revolved around the EXCEL4MED project, an initiative funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme that connects Malta, Greece, and France in a joint effort to reduce food waste and add value to local produce. Joe explained how many fruits, such as pomegranates and citrus, often go partly unused, the pulp is processed, but the nutrient-rich peels are discarded. Through EXCEL4MED, however, are exploring innovative ways to transform what was once considered waste into organic material that nourishes the soil or becomes part of new, sustainable products. 

As we walked past rows of pomegranate trees, Joe pointed out how collaboration between farmers, researchers, and consumers is key to changing the system. The project, he noted, doesn’t just focus on agriculture, it’s also about community, education, and the circular economy. Seeing his enthusiasm reminded me that innovation often starts in the simplest of places: a field, a conversation, a shared vision for better use of our resources. 

 

This article and video are a part series of the EXCEL4MED project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, 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