The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja was invited as speaker during a Plenary Session held at the Parliament of Malta on 14 October as part of the ‘World Food Day’ celebrations in Malta, organised by the Malta Food Agency.

The Plenary Session was opened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, followed by the introductory speech by the Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Mr Brian Vella. Politicians from both sides of the House were also invited to contribute. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights and the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Welfare were present for this event.

During the event, Professor Calleja addressed the important topic of fostering food innovation and sustainability and how the College is at the forefront of tackling the demands and challenges within this industry.

During his address in parliament, Professor Calleja said, “MCAST, is dedicated to enhancing Malta’s food ecosystem, tackling its challenges head-on, and championing innovation in the realm of food. This drive is marked by determination, partnerships, and a profound understanding of the pivotal role food plays in everyone’s lives.”

The College, through its partnership with EIT Food, one of the six Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) established by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), has brought to the forefront the importance of innovation in the food industry, not just for economic growth but for the sustainability of our food systems.

EIT Food is working  to transform the global food system into a Net Zero Food System, promote Healthier Lives Through Food, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System.

EIT Food is involved in Malta through its network of partner universities, research institutes, and businesses. The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is a key EIT Food partner in Malta.

Elaborating on MCAST’s partnership with EIT Food, Professor Calleja stated, “In the past two years, we have embarked on a dedicated mission to foster food innovation. This initiative is made possible through our strategic partnership with EIT Food, a consortium of leading organisations in the European food sector, and our close collaboration with the Malta Food Agency.” Professor Calleja highlighted the importance of educating younger generations on managing food production and distribution. “Research shows that the world produces enough food to feed all 7.5 billion people, yet more than 10% of the population goes hungry daily. Since 2020, after years of progress towards zero hunger, numbers once again are on the rise”, he explained.

MCAST is committed to improving the local food system, and the EIT Food Startup Awareness Event is a key part of this effort. In the coming month, MCAST, in collaboration with EIT Food, will be holding a workshop for start-ups that are active in the food sector in Malta. The upcoming workshop is designed to provide food entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and implement innovative and sustainable food solutions. The program covers a range of topics, including technology and innovation in the food sector, sustainable business models, funding opportunities for food start-ups, business planning and financial management, and communication and marketing.

Speakers from a number of key players within the agricultural and fisheries sphere of economic activities discussed at length the mentioned theme with the highest officials of the Malta Food Agency. A number of international representatives also participated in this event.