“Farmers deserve better.” That was the message delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a recorded video addressing the opening of the "Shaping the Future of Farming and the Agri-Food Sector" conference held in Brussels on 8 May 2025. Her statement set the tone for a day of dialogue, as she called … Continue reading “Evolution” as the main theme of the conference on the Vision for EU Agriculture and Food
Reflections from the 2nd meeting of the Thematic work group held in Brussels On April 8, 2025, the EU CAP Network hosted the second Thematic Group (TG) meeting on Economic Vulnerability of Farming at its premises in Brussels. This in-person workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders and experts to tackle the major economic … Continue reading Turning economic vulnerability into opportunity
During a brief visit to Zagreb for an EU CAP Network workshop, I had the pleasure of meeting the dynamic Ilija Jurić, who manages the operations of a thriving microenterprise named Tukan greens alongside his family and a team of young employees. Located in Velika Gorica, the Tukan greenhouses span 3000 square meters, serving as … Continue reading Meet the farmer | Ilija Jurić
At the forefront of land management in Croatia During a recent workshop organised by the EU CAP Network in Zagreb, I joined attendees from twenty-five Member States to focus on funding aimed at generational renewal across the EU. The event provided a platform for learning and networking, connecting me with various stakeholders deeply involved in … Continue reading Meet the farmer | Karlo Koprivnjak
Ah, the tangled web of a small insular country and its agriculture – the narrative keeps unfolding, much like a gripping saga with its twists and turns. Today, we dive into the fray once more, not to unveil groundbreaking revelations, but to echo sentiments that seem to require constant reiteration. Let's tackle the thorny issue … Continue reading Current food-chain issues… a can of worms
The onset of 2024 ushered in turbulence within the agriculture sector across Europe, with an unprecedented wave of protests. Hundreds of thousands of farmers flooded the streets, delivering a resounding message to policymakers both at home and within the European Union. Why are European farmers protesting? Farmers throughout the European Union, including those in countries … Continue reading Seeds of change: Malta’s farmers take a stand alongside Europe
Bosta huma dawk il-bdiewa u sidien tal-art li qiegħdin jistaqsu mingħajr ma jsibu tweġibiet ċari. Dan bir-raġun ghax l-affarijiet mhumiex ovvji u hemm ħafna kwistjonijiet. Ħa nikteb erbgħa punti hawn taħt biex nispjega ftit x’ġara dan l-aħħar; 1. Il-White Paper ma kienet xejn ħlief ezercizju ta’ whitewashing. Għaliex? Għax fl-istess waqt li tnhediet il-konsultazjoni, ħareġ … Continue reading Issolviet l-affari tal-Qbiela?
My reaction to Ms. Alison Bezzina's interview. Long post ahead. Tried my best at translating the Maltese phrases... apologies in advance to professional translators, but my expertise lies elsewhere. 1. The interviewer said he is vegan... Ms. Bezzina replied by saying "prosit" ("well done"). There is of course absolutely nothing wrong with following a vegan diet. … Continue reading Animal Welfare: My reaction to the Commissioner’s statements
As I'm scribbling down these few paragraphs, I can breath a sigh of relief since I'm approaching the final stages of this journey. A lot of you have been following with interest this study, and I thank you all for the encouragement and motivation. I also feel obliged to relate what's been happening in the … Continue reading Investigating characteristics and trends of young farmers in Malta – Main findings
In 2018, I have enrolled for a Masters degree at the University of Malta and since then have been working on a research study about young farmers. Due to my involvement in the local agriculture sector, carrying out research about a topic in this area was a natural choice. Moreover, the issue about lack of … Continue reading Investigating characteristics and trends of young farmers in Malta – work in progress
Jeanette Borg 