Environmental and health NGOs urge Malta to adopt plant-based food strategy
12 NGOs say move would boost sustainability, cut healthcare costs, and create green jobs
Twelve environmental and health organisations have urged the government to develop a plant-based food strategy to enhance sustainable eating habits.
The plant-based food sector is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets expected to more than triple in value by 2033.
In their plant-based food strategy, the NGOs highlight a “strategic opportunity” for Malta to create high-quality green jobs, stimulate innovation, and position itself as a Mediterranean hub for sustainable food production.
“Shifting towards more plant-based diets can help Malta reduce its environmental footprint, improve nutrition, and strengthen food security,” the NGOs, led by Friends of the Earth, said on Friday.
They proposed a practical plan to align Malta’s food system with climate, health, and economic priorities by making plant-based meals the default choice in public institutions, funding and facilitating the creation of accessible food gardens and urban food forests.
The NGOs suggested an official calculation on the health and economic benefits of consuming different diets should be commissioned.
They further called for a dedicated fund to provide grants and training for local farmers to transition to growing plant-protein crops and organic produce.
“Dietary change is a win-win for people and the planet,” Laura Pons, Food, Agriculture and Biodiversity Campaigner at FoE Malta said.
“By embracing plant-based foods, Malta can cut healthcare costs, build resilience, and show real leadership in sustainability and food justice.”
The 12 NGOs are: Friends of the Earth Malta, Veggy Malta, Action for Breast Cancer Foundation, Physicians Association for Nutrition International, BirdLife Malta, Moviment Graffitti, Vuci Kulletiva, Din l-art Helwa, Sigar, Earth Systems Association, Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, and ACT.