Malta’s food security and agricultural sustainability are at a crossroads. With limited land, increasing environmental pressures, and a heavy reliance on imports, the need for innovative solutions is more urgent than ever. This month’s FiftySix Design Talk explores new approaches to food production, from hydroponics to initiatives that reconnect consumers with local farmers.

Malcolm Borg, head of the MCAST Centre for Agriculture, Aquatics, and Animal Science, will highlight the transformative potential of hydroponics. With expertise in agricultural education and policy, he oversees multiple research projects and leads Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi, a farmers’ association advocating for policy reform. His talk will examine how soilless farming can increase yields while reducing land and water use, making it a viable solution for Malta’s food security. Hydroponics could play a crucial role in strengthening local production, supporting urban farming, and reducing dependency on imports.

Emanuela De Giorgio, founder of The Veg Box, left a career in hospitality marketing to build a direct link between Maltese farmers and consumers. Through education, workshops, and advocacy, she has helped rebuild trust in locally sourced food. Her talk will chart her journey in transforming a disused 20th-century armoury into The Farmoury, a hub dedicated to sustainable living. By empowering farmers and promoting ethical food production, she is fostering a more resilient local agricultural sector.

FiftySix is a monthly design talk series co-organised by the Golden Glitch and the Valletta Design Cluster. This unique event brings together designers, makers, and design enthusiasts to explore and discuss contemporary design practices and projects.