When it comes to supporting local farmers, demand matters as much as supply. The winning concept of the MaYA Agri-Tech Ideathon, Go(v) Local First, proposed a simple but transformative idea:
Government and public institutions should lead by example in buying local produce first.
Schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, and other public canteens could become champions of Maltese agriculture, ensuring stable, fair demand for local producers.
AI and digital tools would quietly support this transition by:
- Matching seasonal supply with institutional demand,
- Maintaining a live database of local products,
- Sharing farmer stories and recipes that connect consumers to producers.
The judges awarded Go(v) Local First top honours for tackling root causes rather than symptoms and for using technology in service of human goals. The initiative directly contributes to PoliRuralPlus’ mission to link digital transformation with territorial cohesion, showing how AI can empower local economies without losing touch with tradition.
Next steps include discussions with relevant stakeholders, including farmers, public authorities, and cooperatives, on piloting the concept - a perfect example of EU innovation meeting local action. For more info visit From Ideas to Action - What the MaYA Agri-Tech Ideathon Unlocked for Malta’s Rural Future
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