Young farmers are giving up their crops for desk jobs because they believe working for the Government would be less stressful and win them more respect from their peers.

People do not realise that these days it’s not just about ploughing a field – agriculture has become very scientific

These misconceptions have spurred Jeanette Borg, a professional agriculturist, to set up a foundation for young Maltese farmers.

Over the years she has come across several young people with family farmlands who, despite having studied agriculture, were still seeking an office job.

“They think that a job with the Government in front of a computer would be stress free, but that is not necessarily so – each job comes with its own stresses,” said Ms Borg, 30.

She has recently set up the foundation called Malta Youth in Agriculture with the help of two other keen agriculturists: Karl Scerri, a full-time farmer, and John Gauci, a full-time student at Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.

“We want to encourage Maltese youths in the agriculture industry not to give up their interest – and to know that we will be there to help and give our support.”

The National Office of Statistics last year revealed a rather dismal state of affairs: there are only 1,301 full-time farmers in Malta. Of these, 61 per cent are over 45 and 32 per cent are between 25 and 44. Only seven per cent are under 25.

There are more part-time farmers – 17, 238 – but roughly 77 per cent of them are over the age of 45.

Ms Borg, who studied agriculture, lectured at the Mcast Agribusiness Institute and now has her own agritourism enterprise, feels that, although there are several farmers’ associations, young farmers do not really have a voice.

“We felt the need to do something: at Mcast now there is a good vibe and it’s good to take that vibe out into the community,” she said, adding that there was still a stigma hanging over agriculture.

Mr Gauci, 19, who comes from a farming family and intends to keep on working in agriculture, agreed with her.

“I still get loads of jibes from friends and acquaintances because I work in agriculture – they consider it a second-class job,” he said.

“People do not realise that these days it’s not just about ploughing a field – agriculture has become very scientific.”

People were not aware of the technicality, investment and research that agriculture requires.

“It’s a proper business... hopefully the foundation will help to further change the image.”

Mr Gauchi said people interested in agriculture did not need have their own land.

“I will graduate next year and would like to specialise in artisanship and the promotion of Maltese products, in particular honey, processed olives and oil,” he said.

He stressed that the foundation will work hand in hand with authorities and other stakeholders so “challenges” will be tackled in “a constructive manner”.

“We have to keep in mind that often it’s easier for young farmers to tap into EU funds, so the more we work together, the more we can achieve,” he said, adding that old-school farmers might not always be open to new ideas, and that is why a common young voice would help to push their cause.

Foundation administrator Mr Scerri, 21, a full-time livestock breeder, stressed the importance for young Maltese farmers “to pull the same rope”.

“Ours is not an easy industry but young farmers in Europe face similar problems to those in Malta. Let’s all get together,” he urged.

More information is available at http://facebook.com/MaltaYouthAgri .