Challenges and opportunities of young farmers in Malta

Abstract

Agriculture in Malta has seen substantial development over time and serves a number of functions. Malta has fewer young farmers and a smaller labor force than the rest of Europe. This study intends to analyse current trends and features of young farmers in Malta in order to understand their condition and discover strategies to help and promote new recruits into the business. The data came from 202 respondents who made up a representative sample. According to statistical research, there are significant correlations between factors like gender, age, working hours per week, primary sectors, European Union (EU) financing, and organisational membership and job status, or whether young farmers are registered on a full- or part-time basis, or are unregistered. Additional information exposes the educational and training background, trading customs, and other aspects of young farmers. This study provides information on the challenges and opportunities that are experienced by the young farmers, independent of the opinion and thoughts of the older generations.