Rabat farmer becomes first Maltese to win European award
Ryan Portelli's waste-to-energy farming efforts recognised by EPP congress
A 22-year-old farmer from Rabat has become the first Maltese winner of the Young Farmers Award at the EPP’s 11th European Congress of Young Farmers.
Ryan Portelli, who comes from a four-generation farming family, is also the first Maltese nominee for the prize.
He was nominated by PN MEP Peter Agius for his participation in the EU-funded Syneco pilot project, which has found new ways of transforming pig and cow waste into clean energy and high-quality fertiliser.
Agius said he had nominated Portelli because it was crucial to acknowledge the significant role of farmers in advancing environmental goals while improving food security in Malta.
The PN MEP said Portelli's work with Syneco positioned the young farmer at the forefront of Malta’s shift toward a circular economy in farming. Such an economy reduced waste, improved soil health and supported national environmental targets.
He added that Portelli’s commitment to innovation reflected the evolving needs of the agricultural sector, particularly in areas where Malta has historically struggled.
According to Agius, animal waste management remains one of the island's long-standing environmental challenges. Livestock manure is currently disposed of through municipal waste treatment systems. Agius said this contributed to breaches of the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
The Syneco project, which is based in Qormi, is expectted to prevent some 55,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 20 years.
Portelli explained how Syneco's benefits extend beyond environmental gains. The project has launched an app, called the CropManager, which allows farmers to register their land and receive soil and water analyses. By identifying exactly how much fertiliser a plot needs, the system saves farmers money and improves crop efficiency, replacing guesswork with scientific precision.
He said he has found no resistance from fellow farmers to new technologies. This is a sign of a sector eager for solutions, he added.
While expressing gratitude for the recognition of his efforts, he urged government support to ensure the long-term success and accessibility of Syneco’s initiatives.
(Left to Right) Ryan Portelli, Olivier de Matos from Croplife, Peter Agius and coordinator of Syneco Chris Ciantar.