Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545759
T ucked away in the countryside of Mġarr, Gloria Camilleri has transformed her father's estate into one of Malta's first and largest EU-certified organic farms. What began as a personal commitment to healthier living has evolved into a thriving organic destination that combines sustainable farming, education, community experiences and a deep respect for nature. Gloria's life took an unexpected turn when she inherited her father's estate. Having spent two decades in the fashion retail industry and living in busy Sliema, she never imagined becoming a farmer. Yet her long-standing preference for organic food, driven partly by allergies and a desire for healthier living, inspired her to take a different path. After moving to the estate, she became increasingly aware of the widespread use of pesticides in neighbouring fields. Determined to protect both the land and the food grown on it, she made the ambitious decision to convert the entire property into a fully organic farm. "It was an ambitious idea," she reflects, "but it manifested." The transition to organic farming was not immediate. Gloria began the conversion process 16 years ago, at a time when organic agriculture was still relatively new in Malta. Achieving EU organic certification required approximately two years of careful monitoring, soil testing and compliance with strict organic standards. Certification was an important milestone, but Gloria views it as just one step in a much larger journey. Today, the estate remains fully organic, not only the fields and vegetables, but also the gardens and surrounding landscape. One of the biggest misconceptions Gloria encounters is the belief that organic simply means pesticide-free. In reality, organic farming starts with the soil. Healthy organic soil is rich in nutrients, supports biodiversity and is free from chemical weed killers. Rather than relying on synthetic fertilisers and herbicides, organic farmers work with nature to create balanced ecosystems that naturally reduce pests and improve crop resilience. While natural pesticides can be used when necessary, Gloria explains that their need decreases over time as biodiversity increases. "Nature is perfect," she says. "When it is not tampered with, you need fewer products." Farming is never easy, and organic farming presents additional challenges. Without chemical weed killers, much more manual labour is required to maintain fields. Finding workers with the necessary knowledge and experience can also be difficult. Water management remains another significant challenge, particularly in Malta's climate. Despite having a reservoir on the estate, conserving water and ensuring crops survive through dry periods requires constant attention. Contamination from neighbouring conventional farms can also create obstacles for certified organic producers, making regular inspections and testing essential. At Vincent's Eco Estate, the focus is on seasonal produce. Rather than specialising in a single crop, Gloria's team grows a diverse selection of fruits, vegetables and herbs throughout the year. This diversity supports soil health, encourages biodiversity and allows the farm to provide fresh produce directly to its customers. Visitors often comment on the flavour of the produce. Gloria notes that organically grown fruits and vegetables may not always look as uniform as supermarket produce, but many customers appreciate their taste, freshness and longer shelf life. The estate's farm shop was never part of the original plan. Initially, Gloria simply wanted to prevent the fields from being left unused. As the harvests grew, she would load her car with produce and deliver it to friends and acquaintances. Later, she began selling vegetables from a wall on the property twice a week. Demand steadily increased, leading to the creation of a dedicated farm shop, which opened ten years ago. Gloria Camilleri Vincent's Eco Estate 15