Visit to Tal-Papa Farm

A perfect spring afternoon was the backdrop for our visit to the tal-Papa farm.  On parking our cars in Birzebbugia, we wondered where there could be a farm in such an urban environment.  However, when we passed through a heavy metal door in the wall, there lay before our eyes an oasis nestled in a quarry: a feast for the eyes and a celebration of nature over development – a whole host of fruit trees and vegetables and, in the shade of the quarry walls, swathes of arum lilies.  Of great interest was the harvesting of rain-water which flows over the edge of the quarry and is carried  into large reservoirs via channels cut in the rock face of the quarry.  One of the older members of the family recounted his time spent as a youth chiseling the channels … a labour of love, indeed.  We were also shown war-time shelters which are now filled with water which ensures that the farm has water even in the summer.  During the tour, our group sampled olives and other produce grown on the farm, and wine from the Cutajar’s small vineyard.  We concluded the visit with tea and cakes and everyone basking in the sun and the harmony of our location.   

A few days later the scene was repeated for a group of students from the Agriculture Course of MCAST. Ably led by their lecturer Malcolm Borg, these students were hosted by FAA as part of its outreach to make youths aware of our rich heritage in agriculture, as in other fields. The students then had the opportunity to meet and discuss matters with committee members of The Coastal & Marine Union (EUCC), an international NGO with strong EU affiliations dedicated to conserving and maintaining healthy seas and attractive coasts for both people and nature.

Many thanks to the Cutajar family for sharing all this with us.