Tal-Kampanjol

This interview details Tal-Kampanjol, an aquaponics farm based in Malta. The interview is with Pierre Axiaq, owner and farmer at Tal-Kampanjol.

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What is the origin story of Tal-Kampanjol?

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Tal-Kampanjol's inception stemmed from a vision to revolutionize Maltese agriculture. Over eight years of meticulous experimentation and iteration, we expanded from a 20-square-meter prototype to a 1,536-square-meter greenhouse, fine-tuning aquaponics techniques and refining systems for sustainable food production. This journey involved a significant investment of time and resources to establish a more resilient and forward-thinking approach to farming, combining nature, innovation, and technology to reimagine food production in Malta.

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing Tal-Kampanjol in the future?

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Scaling while preserving our quality standards and sustainable practices presents a multifaceted challenge. As we aim for growth, balancing increased production with our commitment to environmental stewardship remains crucial. Additionally, fostering a new generation of farmers necessitates addressing barriers like land acquisition costs and financial constraints prevalent in the agricultural sector.

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What is unique about Tal-Kampanjol compared to competitors?

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Our uniqueness stems from our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We operate with zero significant operating costs, utilizing underground water reservoirs, solar panels, and a zero-discharge recirculating system. This not only allows us to offer competitive pricing but also ensures our produce is clean, sustainable, and pesticide-free, typically delivered within an hour of harvesting.

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How do you measure the impact of Tal-Kampanjol so far?

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Our impact is quantifiable through various environmental metrics: a 90% reduction in water usage, zero nitrate pollution in aquifers, and over 95% of our energy sourced from renewable sources. Beyond these sustainability indicators, our revenue growth and employment generation serve as vital metrics, showcasing our success in both environmental stewardship and economic growth within our community.

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What have you learned that you wish you knew when you joined or started the company?

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The invaluable lesson learned revolves around the agility required to adapt to evolving market dynamics while staying true to our sustainability ethos. Additionally, realizing the pivotal role of community support and incentives in encouraging aspiring farmers to join the industry has underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping the future of agriculture.

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How can people connect with you or learn more about Tal-Kampanjol?

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To delve deeper into our sustainable farming practices and connect with us, individuals are encouraged to reach out to Pierre Axiaq, Farmer, and Owner at Tal-Kampanjol Aquaponic Farms, via email at info@tal-kampanjol.mt or explore our comprehensive insights on our website at https://tal-kampanjol.mt. Our commitment extends beyond providing quality produce; we are eager to share our journey and foster conversations around sustainable agriculture.

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