Nature brings to mind images of fields, flora, fauna and so forth: Some live in harmony with it while others view it just as a material resource.

Nature is all around us; everything is derived from it, everything relates to it, therefore it must be given the respect it duly deserves.

The way we perceive Nature inevitably affects everything else in the society of which we form part.

The survival of civilizations can be boiled down to natural abundance, coupled with man's ability in harnessing its forces for his own benefit, as well as that of his family and nation.

Since the agricultural revolution 10,000 years ago, the importance given to traditional roles has largely been diluted.

Today, many view farming as an outdated and demanding occupation, which is motivating an ever increasing number of young people to flock to the cities, leaving fertile arable land lying fallow.

The following points should bring the above in a true light.

1. Self Sustainability

The strength of a country is directly proportional to the capacity it possesses in producing its own resources. 

Ultimately, one essential requirement for life is food. A country that is largely dependent on food importation lies at the whim of the international market, which inevitably fluctuates.

War can send the price of oil skyrocketing, rendering imported food too expensive to purchase due to exorbitant transportation costs. In the fairly recent case of Iran, vis-á-vis the Straits of Hormuz comes to mind – had there been a war, it would have had disastrous effects worldwide.

On this principle alone, a strong, self-sufficient agricultural sector should be regarded as one of the main foundations of a nation.

2. Health

The Maltese rank among the highest in smoking and obesity rates. Under this socialist system of subsidised healthcare, hundreds of millions of euros in taxes are being spent treating preventable diseases.

A natural diet based on local agricultural produce can help in the prevention of such ailments, as well as curbing unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcoholism.

We should encourage the local agricultural sector. An educational campaign that encourages and appreciates our local produce, as well as increased co-operation between sellers and farmers, would ensure that the local product will not go to waste. This would drive down costs, inevitably switching the price conscious majority to a healthier diet.

3. Economy

The marriage of traditional agricultural methods with the latest scientific techniques can potentially produce huge amounts of output, without negative environmental impact.

This can be referred to as a ‘silent revolution’, as it has only been implemented piecemeal.

Politicians pave the way for large conglomerates such as Monsanto, who endeavour to acquire a huge agricultural monopoly. This restricts such sustainable methods and research, preventing progress.

The aforementioned synergy of combining science with agriculture, would achieve a maximized yet sustainable production, leaving a surplus that could be exported overseas.

As is the case with local companies that have already turned a healthy profit through tomato processing and exportation, the list of produce that can be preserved, crafted or simply packaged in raw form for export, is virtually limitless.

(The agri-food sector within the EU is already a strong and growing force, employing over four million Europeans, generating a trillion euro economy – why can’t Malta benefit too?)

A sound, thriving agricultural sector also means a healthier, natural environment, which will lead to increased tourism, and a new opening: namely: agro-tourism. In Europe, this attracts a growing, and consistent flow of visitors, regardless of the season.

Furthermore, most of our local farmers come from a long line of generations with a similar occupation.  The knowledge they possess, not only in their line of work, but in a myriad of other historico-cultural subjects in general, is vast.

 In an age where we are drowning in information, yet are at a loss to infer what works and what doesn’t, this is certainly not the case with these people, as all their knowledge has been tried and tested over several generations. Our farmers are truly protectors of culture and tradition. 

Let us not repeat the mistake of being blinded by short term economic gains. In the 17th century, most of the island was cleared of indigenous trees, many of them hundreds of years old, to make way for cotton plantations. Within a few years the industry collapsed as it moved to Third World countries. Let us not allow history to repeat itself, but rather learn from it and reach decisions with a long-term vision in mind.

There is no greater advantage than using the country's own resources and talent, which in turn benefit all areas of society. We are blessed with ideal conditions and potential, yet the question is always how to utilise them to their full extent and efficiency.

Considering today's scenario, with our islands turning into one concrete jungle, the 80,000 vacant properties, and the number is rising, increased cost of living and the struggle of the middle class to keep up with bank payments, the time is ripe to consider this crucial change in direction.

Antoine Galea is an Imperium Europa candidate in the forthcoming European parliamentary elections

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