The Gozo Confederation for Agriculture and Fisheries (GCAF) welcomes the news that Victoria has been recommended to become Malta’s European Capital of Culture in 2031. The announcement places Gozo on a European stage and offers an opportunity to tell the story of the whole island. (culture.ec.europa.eu)
Victoria’s bid is built around the theme “An Island of Islands”—an exploration of the people, places and communities that give island life its character. Gozo’s farms, fishing communities and food traditions belong in that story. (culture.ec.europa.eu)
Agriculture and fisheries are part of Gozo’s living culture. They shape its landscape, villages, harbours, food and knowledge passed between generations. That heritage is still being made every day by people working the land and going to sea.
GCAF believes the years leading to 2031 should give farmers and fishers a meaningful role in developing the programme. Possible collaborations could include projects led by producers and artists, stories of farming and fishing across generations, local food events, and activities that help young people understand these livelihoods. These are proposals for discussion, rather than announced parts of the Victoria 2031 programme.
The title also creates a chance to ask a forward-looking question: what will it take for farming and fishing to remain part of Gozo’s future? Celebrating these sectors should go hand in hand with listening to the people in them—particularly on the challenges of sustaining a livelihood and encouraging a new generation to enter.
GCAF congratulates the Victoria 2031 team and looks forward to opportunities for Gozo’s agricultural and fishing communities to contribute. If the programme reaches across the island and gives its working communities a voice, 2031 can leave a legacy that lasts well beyond its year of events.