Emanuela de Giorgio & Malcolm Borg

FiftySix Design Talks: Cultivating Malta’s Future

As Malta grapples with the challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture, this month’s FiftySix Design Talk will highlight pioneering solutions reshaping how we grow and consume food. From soilless farming techniques to initiatives strengthening the bond between farmers and consumers, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the future of food production in Malta.
Malcolm Borg
Malcolm Borg

Malcolm Borg: Advancing Soilless Farming

Malcolm Borg, head of the MCAST Centre for Agriculture, Aquatics, and Animal Science, will examine the transformative potential of hydroponics. With a Master’s degree in Agribusiness Management and deep roots in the farming community, Borg oversees more than 20 educational programmes and research projects spanning crop production, horticulture, aquaculture, and animal sciences. He also chairs the Ministry for Agriculture’s Consultative Council and is the founder of Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi, a farmers’ association lobbying for policy improvements.
Borg’s talk will explore the science behind soilless farming and its role in addressing some of Malta’s most pressing agricultural challenges. As land availability declines and climate pressures intensify, hydroponic systems offer an efficient means of producing food, using less water and space while increasing yields. This approach presents a viable solution for strengthening local food production, supporting urban agriculture, and promoting sustainability in horticulture.
Emanuela de Giorgio
Emanuela de Giorgio

Emanuela De Giorgio: Empowering Farmers & Engaging Consumers

Emanuela De Giorgio, founder of The Veg Box in Manikata, left a successful career in hospitality marketing to pursue her passion for agriculture. Recognising the need to reconnect people with locally sourced, nutritious food, she established The Veg Box to promote fresh produce and foster greater awareness of sustainable food choices. Through educational events and direct engagement with farmers, De Giorgio has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between producers and consumers.
Her talk will chart her journey in transforming an early 20th-century armoury into The Farmoury—a unique hub dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources to live more sustainably. By supporting local farmers and advocating for ethical food production, The Veg Box has become a cornerstone of Malta’s sustainable agriculture movement, fostering social, economic, and environmental resilience.
FiftySix Design Talks by Valletta Design Cluster & the Golden Glitch
In the face of Malta’s growing challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture, innovative solutions are more crucial than ever. This discussion presents a unique opportunity to explore forward-thinking strategies that can strengthen local food systems, support farmers, and build resilience. Whether you are an industry professional or simply curious about where your food comes from, join us on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, at 6:30 PM in Friggieri Hall at the Valletta Design Cluster for fresh insights into the future of agriculture.

FiftySix Design Talks is an exciting collaboration between The Golden Glitch and the Valletta Design Cluster. This dynamic partnership brings together artists, designers, and innovators for a series of talks that explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in design. It’s a space where time-honored crafts meet contemporary ideas, all hosted within the historic walls of Valletta.

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