Merill Rural Network

19/02/2025

Just this morning, we received a call from yet another artisan, a member of our network, who risks closing shop - not due to lack of passion or skill, but because of bureaucracy, rising costs, and the consequences of years of short-sighted policymaking that failed to engage all stakeholders. We're close to losing one of the last true masters of this particular craft - along with the invaluable knowledge he holds. 🤦‍♀️

It’s in this spirit that we remain cautiously optimistic about the long-overdue National Strategy for the Artisan Sector (2024-2030). While much heritage has already been lost, this plan prepared by the Malta Crafts Foundation promises to be a very good step toward safeguarding what remains and giving artisans the recognition they deserve. 🙏

At Merill, we’ve always believed in preserving local craftsmanship and supporting artisans in their journey. This strategy must now translate into real action, to protect skills, foster innovation, and ensure that traditional crafts thrive, not just survive. 💙

The Malta Crafts Foundation is proud and excited to announce the launching of a public consultation for Crafting Ahead – A National Strategy for the Artisan Sector in Malta 2024-2030.

Based on the feedback collected from the various stakeholders over the span of several months, the national strategy seeks to address the challenges of the artisan sector within the context of today’s realities and looks at opportunities that could ensure its long-term sustainability and viability.

It is the first holistic national strategy of its kind to be published for the artisan sector locally.

The public consultation is your chance to share your thoughts and ideas for the growth and development of the sector so that, together, we can shape a thriving, sustainable ecosystem that celebrates our cultural heritage and supports innovation within the artisan sector.

📣 Make your voice heard by not later than February 17th, 2025 through the public consultation platform:
https://www.gov.mt/en/publicconsultation/Pages/2025/NL-0041-2024.aspx

24/01/2025

It gives us great pleasure to witness such passion and enthusiasm towards cultivating and promoting something that is truly 'ours' - something which we can all be proud of as a Maltese nation!

We're privileged to call Bidni and the family behind it Members within our growing network. It's a collective effort, borne out of a collaboration between the Grima family and our friends at Mediterranean Culinary Academy, which helps to put Malta on the map, amongst other world-wide top gastronomy attractions.

It's also worthy of praise the mention of Sam Cremona to whom we owe the revival of olive oil culture in the Maltese Islands!

21/12/2024

We’re thrilled to share an interview that takes us right back to our roots—literally! Earlier this year, our co-founder, Christian Borg, joined Lino Mintoff from L-Intrapriża for a walk through some of the places and people that make Merill Rural Network what it is today.

From the farms to the artisan workshops, Christian shared how Merill started as an idea to reconnect people with Malta’s rural soul and grew into a network empowering farmers, artisans, and breeders to thrive.

Now, with English subtitles added, this story is accessible to an even wider audience. A big thank you to The Malta Chamber and Malta Enterprise for their support, and to Lino Mintoff for guiding such a meaningful conversation.

Watch the full feature here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDDCddsTyC0

Let us know—what does Malta’s rural heritage mean to you? 💙

In this interview on Malta's popular TV show, L-Intrapriża, our co-founder Christian Borg shares with Lino Mintoff the story of Merill Rural Network. Christi...

06/12/2024

It’s that time of year again—Christmas markets are in full swing! One of our valued Merill Rural Network members is here, offering authentic, locally crafted treasures to make your holidays truly special. Come and discover the charm they bring year after year and don’t forget to…

28/11/2024

🌍✨ Merill Rural Network is in Brussels! Chloé is proudly representing us at the Policy Lab on “Enhancing Policy Coordination for Vibrant Rural Areas.”

We’re diving into discussions about rural strategies, funding streams, and innovative ways to strengthen rural communities across Europe. 🌱🤝

Follow the event online: YouTube Live - youtube.com/live/CVh3bgjHck0
Join the European Rural Pact to stay engaged: bit.ly/4cHjh2x

Let’s shape the future of rural Europe, together! 🇪🇺

29/09/2024

Insellmu l-memorja ta' Ġużu l-Beżuża! 💔🙏

24/09/2024

Pauline, Céline, and Jade recently finished an internship at our social enterprise. They’ve had amazing and enriching experiences while in Malta, assisting the members and engaging with the rural community! 🌿

Amongst the highlights...

1️⃣ Tan-Nixxiegħa Experience : They assisted the family in hosting guests and guiding them through local culinary traditions. They even learnt how to make the famous Maltese pastizzi with the visitors! A fun and tasty adventure 🥟🌾

2️⃣ Ta' Żeppi Farm : Immersed in artisanal practices, they participated in essential farm activities like milking sheep and producing delicious local cheese. 🐑🧀

3️⃣ Lawrence the Falconer at Għar Lapsi: The girls had the chance to meet Lawrence, the falconer, and got to briefly discuss the tradition of falconry with him. They even had the unique opportunity to hold one of his birds on their arms, capturing some incredible photos and videos. 🦅📸

4️⃣ Antoine Tan-Newl Weaving Experience: Together with Antoine, they delved into the skill of traditional weaving, spending time creating beautiful rugs, learning the intricate patterns and techniques that have been passed down through generations. A truly hands-on and creative experience. 🧶🧵

5️⃣ Cortis Vineyards: They even joined Carmel, Paul, and Alexander for a grape harvesting experience at their vineyards. They learned about the delicate process of grape selection, harvesting, and enjoyed eating plenty of fresh grapes straight from the vines. 🍇✨

Each day has been a new adventure, full of discoveries and learning. Thank you, Jade, Céline and Pauline for choosing Merill! 🙏💙

07/08/2024

It's been a week since our dedicated interns joined a cleanup day at St. Paul's Bay, organised by why iGaming. Here's a snapshot of their impactful day:

🌅 Met the organisers kickstarting the cleanup with bags from CleanMalta.
⏰ Hopped on a traditional Maltese boat with fellow volunteers.
🌞 Arrived at St. Paul's Island, splitting into groups to tackle litter under the hot sun. They found plastic and glass bottles, pipes, paint pots, shotgun cartridges, and even clothing... amongst other treasures!
🌊 Break time: Took a refreshing dip in the clear waters before resuming their cleanup mission.
🚮 On return they hauled the collected trash to a dumpster.
🍻 Afterward headed to nearby bar to unwind, share a drink, and celebrate their hard work.

A highly productive day with 960 kilos of waste collected! This experience not only helped protect our local environment but also brought the team closer. Well done Pauline, Céline and Jade - together with all volunteers and everyone involved. 💪🌍

29/07/2024

With Chef Anthony... another true ambassador for local products, showcasing the best our country has to offer through his dishes 💙

Cafe Jubilee Bidni Extra Virgin Olive Oil

08/07/2024

A couple of months have passed, and we’ve said goodbye to two more incredible interns, Ema and Lucy, from the University of Malta . Despite their shorter stay, they quickly became committed members of our team. We're thrilled that Ema has decided to continue helping with our members' tours and experiences, showing how much she cares about our country and community!

Thank you, Ema and Lucy, for your hard work and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you'll continue to make!

14/06/2024

We just objected to this proposed amendment. Apart from other obvious reasons (health, air quality, congestion, over population), we objected on the grounds that this is not in line with the current National Tourism Strategy (2021 – 2030) and we expect Malta Tourism Authority, Visit Malta and other public and private stakeholders who are talking about sustainable tourism to also voice their concerns.

Object now, it takes just 2 minutes 👇🏼

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Din l-Art Helwa and Il-Kollettiv are encouraging the public to object to this change in policy by sending an email with this text to [email protected] until this coming Monday June 17:

I, the undersigned, do not agree with the proposed amendment of policy P35 of DC15.

The revision of policy P35 will result in an increase in the number of floors from those stipulated and deemed permissible through the Local Plans. This blanket increase of one floor on all sites designated as 1,2 or 3 floors threatens to undermine the architectural heritage, character and amenity of several towns and villages across Malta and Gozo.

The streets among those most affected by the policy change are those characterised by rows of traditional townhouses. The policy amendment will enable the approval of 5-storey apartment blocks on these typically low-lying streetscapes. In addition to negatively impact the visual harmony of these distinct locations, the policy change will transform several towns and villages into more crowded and congested areas than envisaged under current legislation.

We respectfully urge the Authority to retain the existing policy and adhere to the Local Plan limitations. Policy amendments must prioritise sustainable development that enhances, rather than diminishes, the distinctive charm and character of Malta and Gozo.

Baxx baxx mingħajr ma nduna ħadd, Clint Camilleri jipproponi riforma li tippermetti l-bini ta’ iżjed sulari. L-impatt fuq l-irħula se jkun diżastruż.

28/05/2024

Merill was present at the Policy Action Lab : « Bringing the Rural Pact closer to citizens » in Brussels! 🇧🇪

We had an incredible time reflecting on innovative ways to implement the Rural Pact at the local level. The event was filled with inspiring speeches and engaging discussions that motivated us to think deeply about the future of our rural communities. 🌱

A big thank you to the Rural Pact Support Office and the organising team for such a nice event. We are excited to bring these new insights and ideas back to Malta! 🙌

24/05/2024

Join us tomorrow morning at Festa Fjuri 2024 Iklin with our very own Bizzilla Girls and Antoine tan-Newl in collaboration with Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant.

Ingħaqdu magħna għada filgħodu għal Festa Fjuri 2024 , ġewwa l-Iklin ma' Bniet Bizzilla u Antoine tan-Newl b'kollaborazzjoni mal-Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant!

🌸 Ingħaqad magħna fil-Festa Fjuri fl-Iklin! 🌸

📅 Data: 25 ta' Mejju
⏰ Ħin: 09:00 – 14:00
📍 Post: Triq Anton Buttigieg/Pjazza Ninu Cremona

Għal Festa Fjuri ħa nkunu preżenti flimkien ma' Merill Rural Network, Antoine Tan-Newl u Bniet Bizzilla. Titflifx dan l-avveniment!



Gvern Lokali | Kunsill Lokali L-Iklin | Merill Rural Network

22/05/2024

It's hard to believe that a month has already passed since Chloé's and Océane's internships concluded. Since then, our members have been exceptionally busy with a series of experiences, activities, and tours alongside our sister enterprise, Malta Rural Tours, making this post a bit overdue.

Throughout their internship, Chloé and Océane immersed themselves fully in our network, grasping the essence of working with the rural community in a sustainable manner and contributing significantly. Words cannot fully express our gratitude for these two French interns who demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment, setting a new standard for future interns.

On behalf of our co-founders, Christian and Jeanette, along with all the Merill members and the MRT teams, we wish Chloé and Océane every success in their future endeavours.

We are confident that we will find opportunities to collaborate even further in the future.

06/04/2024

🎥 The crew from L-Intrapriża recently met Merill co-founder Christian to uncover the essence of our social enterprise and explore some of the stories behind the products grown and crafted by our members together with the rural tourism services that they offer.

Join us behind the scenes with these exclusive photos! 😉📷

If you missed the program, don't worry, you can catch the replay using the link below. Please note that while the program is in Maltese, we will soon have English subtitles available . 🇲🇹

Special thanks to Lino Mintoff who showed great interest in discovering and presenting the network and Joe Tanti from Malta Business Bureau for his unwavering support.

Featured in this episode are Tan-Nixxiegħa Olive Grove, Ta-Zeppi Farm. and Falzon Bakery - Rabat. 💙🩵

Silvio Schembri
The Malta Chamber
Malta Enterprise
Visit Malta

23/03/2024

Here's an idea for an Easter holidays treat...

🗓Saturday 6th April
🫒Olive Grove Tour and Olive Oil Tasting
📌Bidni Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Wardija

💙🩵

Step into Malta's culinary heritage at Bidni Olive Grove, where the endemic Bidni olive tree thrives. Learn about the rich legacy of the Bidni olive tree, unique to the Maltese islands. Get an insider's look into the meticulous craft of extra virgin olive oil production. Understand what goes into ma...

01/03/2024