Agriculture
Agricultural Practices
Linking Gastronomy with Local Agriculture
Agricultural Practices
The origin of agricultural practices in Malta could be as old as the presence of man on the islands. Agriculture became the principal economic activity during Arab Rule, when the practice of terracing was introduced. Terracing is ideal for cultivation of Mediterranean slopes as dry stone walls support and stabilise the steep slope, whilst slowing down and blocking soil erosion. Rainwater flows and drains through the gaps between stones, allowing agriculture along slopes that would have been considered impossible to cultivate.
Aerial photos captured in the 1920s indicate that farming through stepped agricultural terraces was practiced till the lowest possible slope. With limited access, major land abandonment occurred in the 1960s. Today, below the first cliff tier, one may see large stretches of long abandoned terraced fields, interspersed with occasional cultivated fields and patches of natural vegetation.
The Cliffs Estate has contributed to the revival of agriculture within Dingli Cliffs slopes, mainly through the focus on fruit trees as permanent crops. Through The Cliffs Interpretation Centre, we have managed to encourage the sustainable management of agricultural holdings amongst the local farmers, the main land users of Dingli’s natural resources.
Linking Gastronomy with Local Agriculture
Living at Dingli and being one of the main land users of Dingli Cliffs, The Cliffs strives to find innovative ways of infusing traditional knowledge systems and disseminating them to visitors. The gastronomical experience complements the centre’s mission to offer innovative means of communication. Gastronomy highlights fresh local agricultural products and the natural species richness of wild edibles. First preference is given to agricultural products available in the area according to the season, having the two-way benefit of providing economic returns to the local farmer, and making visitors aware of the rich local produce of the region. One such example is the One Kilometre Platter, consisting of freshly pickled vegetables and antipasti from a one kilometre zone, including goat cheese from the last remaining shepherd in Dingli Cliffs and seasonal vegetables bought from local producers.
Triq Panoramika,
Dingli