On Saturday 17 January, Malta and Gozo woke up to unfamiliar scenes reminiscent of a winter landscape rather than a Mediterranean island.
Media outlets quickly filled our social feeds with surreal images of residents using makeshift tools to clear the ice from their cars, with some streets completely blanketed in ice that was knee-deep.
And while children quite rightly made the most of this rare weather phenomenon by building snowmen and engaging in snowball – or rather ice ball – fights, many farmers were waking up to a very different reality.
In general, this winter in Malta felt closer to the winters we used to experience decades ago with sudden hailstorms, prolonged windy days, and more rain.
In the weeks since the storm, and after a winter marked by strong winds and unsettled weather, many farmers have been assessing the damage and planning how best to move forward.
Coming from a longstanding farming tradition spanning four generations, Laflafett is a family-run business that understands these challenges firsthand. Established in 1995 by John and Richard, the company has been supporting farmers and the agricultural industry in Malta for over three decades.
The recent hailstorm caused widespread damage to several crops, including cabbages, marrows, strawberries, potatoes, and cauliflowers. Restarting cultivation after such heavy losses requires careful planning and reliable materials.
Laflafett supplies a range of seedlings suitable for both full-time farmers and enthusiasts. This includes soft-fruit plants, grafted and non-grafted seedlings, along with seeding machines to help streamline the replanting process where larger areas were involved.
It’s important to note that extreme weather events not only damage crops, they also place stress on soil and young plants. Once replanting begins, creating stable growing conditions becomes essential to help crops establish properly and recover over time.
Laflafett stocks a selection of compost and fertilisers designed to support crops at different stages of growth. This includes slow release fertilisers, foliar fertilisers applied directly to plant leaves, and products with various NPK ratios.
For soilless cultivation, peat bags, coco peat bags, vermiculite, and perlite are also available, helping improve structure, drainage, and nutrient uptake.
Greenhouse structures and protective coverings can help reduce exposure to harsh weather conditions where possible. In this respect, Laflafett supplies galvanised steel greenhouse structures and plastic sheeting suitable for a range of climate conditions, along with technical support to help farmers assess, repair, or reinforce existing setups.
As weather patterns continue to grow more unpredictable, rebuilding is rarely about rushing. It is about informed decisions, steady progress, and working with people who understand the realities of farming.
For more information, contact Laflafett today on 9940 3342 or 9989 9831.
St Joseph House , Bingemma, L-Imgarr, Malta MGR 2601
+356 2157 4758
agrispec@gmail.com www.laflafett.comLaflafett Co Ltd is an agricultural company based in Malta. Established in 1995, the company seeks the best raw materials for cultivation being it in soil or soiless. Hereunder, you will find o...
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