The Gozo Confederation for Agriculture and Fisheries (GCAF) is encouraging farmers, fishers, breeders, artisans, rural operators and other stakeholders in Gozo to participate in an ongoing survey examining the future development of rural tourism in Malta and Gozo.
The initiative is seeking the views and experiences of people who live and work within rural communities. Their feedback can help build a clearer understanding of how rural tourism can develop while respecting the agricultural activity, landscapes, traditions and communities that give Gozo its distinctive rural character.
Agriculture Must Remain at the Heart of Rural Areas
For Gozo, the relationship between agriculture and rural tourism is particularly important.
The island’s agricultural landscape is not simply a backdrop for visitors. It is a working landscape created and maintained by generations of farmers. Cultivated fields, rubble walls, livestock holdings, local produce and traditional agricultural practices all contribute to the character and identity of the Gozitan countryside.
Well-planned rural tourism can create additional opportunities for farmers and rural communities through activities such as farm visits, educational experiences, direct sales of local produce, traditional food experiences and other forms of genuine agritourism.
However, GCAF believes that rural tourism should complement rather than replace agricultural activity.
The protection of agricultural land, continued access to farmland and the long-term viability of active farming should remain central considerations in the development of rural tourism policies.
An Opportunity for Gozitan Farmers and Rural Operators
The survey provides an opportunity for people directly involved in agriculture, fisheries and other rural activities to share their experiences, challenges and ideas.
GCAF particularly encourages Gozitan farmers and rural operators to participate so that the realities of operating within Gozo’s small-island context are properly reflected.
Rural tourism can potentially provide additional sources of income, strengthen direct links between producers and consumers, increase appreciation of local food and create greater awareness of Gozo’s agricultural and rural heritage.
For these benefits to be sustainable, however, rural tourism must develop alongside a viable agricultural sector rather than at its expense.
Have Your Say
Farmers, fishers, breeders, artisans and other rural operators are encouraged to participate and contribute their views.
Rural Tourism Operators Survey:
https://www.seedprojects.eu/rural-tourism-operators
Further information on the Rural Tourism initiative:
https://www.seedprojects.eu/rural-tourism
Protecting a Living Rural Landscape
Gozo’s countryside must remain a living and productive rural environment.
GCAF supports an approach to rural tourism that strengthens genuine agricultural activity, protects agricultural land and creates meaningful opportunities for local producers, while safeguarding the landscape and rural character upon which both agriculture and rural tourism depend.
Ensuring that the voices of those who work the land and operate within Gozo’s rural economy are heard is an important part of shaping that future.