From 17-19 April 2026, EXCEL4MED joined Malta AgriFair 2026, helping to spark conversations around sustainability, circularity and innovation in the agri-food sector.
Over three days, citrus waste moved from a side topic to a central discussion point, as visitors discovered how even the smallest by-products of citrus production can be turned into meaningful value.
From students and farmers to researchers and industry representatives, visitors gathered around a shared idea: every part of citrus fruit has value when used in smarter and more sustainable ways.
EXCEL4MED’s collaborative presence
EXCEL4MED’s participation was led by our partner Koperattivi Malta, with the support of our other Maltese partners: the University of Malta, Malta Food Agency, Malta Enterprise and Mgarr Farming.
The fair continues to grow as a meeting point for agriculture, fisheries, food production and innovation in Malta, and the 2026 edition welcomed a wide range of exhibitors and visitors, providing great opportunities for networking, awareness raising and public engagement across the agri-food ecosystem.
Reducing citrus waste through awareness and innovation
Throughout the event, EXCEL4MED focused on a practical and accessible message: citrus waste can become a resource rather than a loss.
Visitors learnt more about how citrus by-products (including peels, pulp and other residual materials) can be reused and valorised through sustainable approaches that support circular economy principles.
Discussions also explored how consumers, producers and researchers all have a role to play in reducing food waste and creating added value from agricultural resources.
Reaching different audiences across Malta and beyond
One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the variety of audiences engaged throughout the three days.
School students from Malta and Gozo stopped by the EXCEL4MED stand to explore sustainability in a very hands-on way, taking part in discussions and activities that brought the idea of food waste reduction closer to everyday life. These moments helped spark early awareness of how agriculture can become more circular and resource-efficient.
EXCEL4MED’s activities also reached a broader audience through a live interview on TVAM, a Maltese morning television programme, where partners discussed citrus waste and circularity, and communicated the objectives of our project.
At the same time, the presence of our Greek partner EKPIZO, participating in a staff exchange within the project, further strengthened collaboration and supported shared learning on practical approaches to sustainability and waste valorisation.
