Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546491
MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt 4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWS Farmers describe 'bleak' future for agriculture industry FARMERS in Malta described a "bleak" future for their indus- try after weeks and months of dry and scorching weather. In comments to MaltaToday, the head of Għaqda Bdiewa At- tivi, Malcolm Borg explained that summers are becoming increasingly unbearable for farmers, explaining that, "We deal with living things that are not adapted to such heat." In practical terms, Borg ex- plained this was evident in crops that can withstand heat such as tomatoes and bell pep- pers. Farmers found them- selves harvesting these crops with a yellowish tint on parts of their produce, which is an indication that the crops were "burned" by the sun. In the case of the reduced quantity and quality of local toma- toes, this has ramifications for kunserva production, as Borg explained that the to- matoes needed for this loved product must be grown dur- ing the summer. The heat and dry conditions also mean that farmers face increased costs in order to adequately water their crops. All the while, local farmers must compete with cheap- er produce imported from abroad. Farmers who work with animals, Borg ex- plained, have also i n c u r r e d extra costs in cases where they must install fans to keep their animals cool. Unfortunately, this is not enough to keep an- imals' mortality rate low. Ac- cording to Borg, such "bleak" working conditions have led some farmers to pause or slow down their operations during the summer months. Malcolm Borg noted that just because m a n y c o n - sum- ers a r e n ' t c u r r e n t - ly affected by the harsh weather conditions crippling Malta's agriculture sector, the illusion of normality could easily burst. He reminded that difficult weather conditions are affecting food producers around the world, and that if one major food producer is hit, it could have a ripple effect that would spread globally. Simi- larly, the Malta Youth in Ag- riculture (MAYA) Foundation told MaltaToday that the rising temperatures across the world is already impacting local pro- duce. "Considering that the majority of all livestock feed is imported from abroad, prices are al- ways gradually increas- ing," the foundation explained. The MA- YA foundation also noted that livestock farmers' cooling systems are already proving insufficient given the extreme temperatures. "In general, the ef- fects on food produc- tion with this extreme heat will be felt gradually in the coming months," the foundation warned. Many consumers aren't currently affected by the harsh weather conditions crippling Malta's agriculture sector, but the illusion of normality could easily burst