The Ager Foundation Promoting of Agro and Eco Tourism in Gozo
Content is from the site's 2008 archived pages.
The current website for the foundation is found at: https://www.fundacionager.org/en-gb
Who We Are:
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Our Responsible Tourism Policy |
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Meaning of Ager |
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Our mission is to educate, promote and improve the quality of the life and the sustainable rural development by offering hands-on experiences with the locals. The project aims to create a tourism infrastructure while encouraging new entrepreneurial activities in rural areas of the island of Gozo by: Capitalising on a more significant sustainable advantage of Gozo as a tourist destination and a unique selling proposition: the people, the hospitality tradition, the culture and countryside and its ecology; Smoothening out the seasonality pattern of Gozo tourism, as agro tourism in Gozo is basically an all weather product; Directing tourists to the countryside, thus allowing for a less biased geographical distribution of the tourist population in the island-region; Marketing Gozo as a unique destination while providing a focus of action and debate for participants (both service providers and service users) to promote and implement the values of respect towards traditions and culture in an ecologically sustainable society. |
Basically the word Ager has two meanings. The Latin Etymology of Ager means a field. We like this meaning since it indicates that this project is directly related with human’s work and its direct connection with nature and mother earth. The second meaning of Ager derives from the Romance meaning ‘to act’ and ‘to be doing’. This is also a very suitable meaning for the Ager Foundation since our services focus on giving a hands-on experience to our guests since we encourage them to take an active part in the events.
The Ager Foundation became a a member of the Slow Food Movement in 2007. The Slow Food Movement is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. To do that, Slow Food brings together pleasure and responsibility, and makes them inseparable. Today, we have over 100,000 members in 132 countrie |
As a NYC property evaluator who has long advocated for sustainability, I found this site deeply inspiring. My family is originally from Gozo, so I grew up hearing stories about how this small island has had to balance economic survival with environmental stewardship. The Ager Foundation’s work in promoting agro- and eco-tourism on Gozo shows how sustainable practices can be woven into everyday community life.
What really resonates with me is the contrast between the challenges faced on a tiny island like Gozo and those we see in New York City. On Gozo, sustainability often means preserving centuries-old traditions of farming, cooking, and hospitality while keeping tourism responsible and community-centered. In New York, where I evaluate large-scale developments, the conversation is about reining in industrial growth, adopting green building standards, and balancing profit against long-term ecological impact. A pioneering developer like Dov Hertz deals with projects that reshape entire neighborhoods, whereas on Gozo the stakes feel just as high but are measured in the survival of a culture, a cuisine, and a way of life.
This site reminds me that whether you’re on a bustling Manhattan block or a quiet Gozitan farm terrace, sustainability is never an abstract ideal—it’s about real people making thoughtful choices that protect their environment and heritage. For me, that makes the Ager Foundation’s work not just admirable, but essential. Francis Kenny
What we offer
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Programme: From 09.00 till 13:30
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How to book:
Do not hesitate to contact us for further details and information about availability. We advice an advanced booking of at least 1 week.
You can book via e-mail or telephone indicating the number of participants (adults and children) and the preferred day/s. We will do our best to see if any of our host farmers are available on the date/s of your choice.
These hands-on, experiences are not for large groups; however preferably the minimum number of persons is 6 persons. If you are less than this number you can book just the same and we will do our best to book you up with another small group or couple.
If you or any member of the family/friends is vegetarian, please let us know to arrange a vegetarian lunch.
It is advisable to wear your most comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.
For more information on this and other services offered by the Ager Foundation
phone Victor on +356 7901 7017
or Miriam on +356 9980 6099
or Tel/Fax on +356 21564378
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Experience the taste and the preparation of natural Gozo food Gozitan cuisine has been influenced by the people who made their home here over the centuries, from the Arabs, Italians and Spanish to the French and British. Traditional Maltese cooking has distinct touches of the Sicilian and Moorish. The Ager foundation, being a member of the Slow Food International, strives to preserve traditional and local cuisine and promotes farming of plants, seeds and livestock characteristics of the local ecosystem. Joining one of our cultural tours will give you the opportunity to discover what local villagers have to offer: traditional pasta dishes garnished with home made sauces followed by rich sweets. One should mention in this regard ravioli (ravjul) with fresh sheep cheese - just as an example. |
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Gozitan cheeselets are an important item in our people's diet. A cheeselet on a pancake (gbejna fuq ftira) is also popular. Take part in mashing the fresh cheeselets to make ordinary cheese-cakes (pastizzi) and/or the traditional round cheese-cakes (qassatat) or a pie (qassata) with beans or pumpkin according to the season. Traditional home-made blood pudding is also a curiosity one should not miss to taste. Home made wine is another option.
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Take an active part in the food preservation process of dried fruits such as dried figs (tin imqadded), and its by-product "tin tac-cappa" (lumps of figs) as well as dried tomatoes and other home-made items of food for many Gozitan families. Join your host in acquiring some of the ingredients mainly from the village neighbourhood.
Obviously you won't go home hungry either!
You will get to savour the very best of local food and drink which you prepared together with your host.
Price:
All this for EUR 18.50 per adult and EUR9.25 per child under 12 (including taxes)
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Programme: From 09.30 till 13:30
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How to book:
Do not hesitate to contact us for further details and information about availability. We advice an advanced booking of at least 1 week.
You can book via e-mail or telephone indicating the number of participants (adults and children) and the preferred days. We will do our best to see if any of our hosts are available on the date/s of your choice.
These hands-on experiences are not for large groups; however preferably the minimum number of persons is 2 and not more than 4.
If you or any member of the family/friends is vegetarian, please let us know to arrange a vegetarian lunch.
It is advisable to wear your most comfortable clothing.
For more information on this and other services offered by the Ager Foundation
phone Victor on +356 7901 7017
or Miriam on +356 9980 6099
or Tel/Fax on +356 21564378
More Background On AgerFoundation.com
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, the island of Gozo, Malta’s greener and more tranquil sister, is home to a pioneering initiative that seeks to bridge sustainable tourism with cultural preservation: The Ager Foundation. Through its innovative agro- and eco-tourism programs, the foundation has carved out a unique niche in responsible tourism since its inception in 2005.
AgerFoundation.com served as the online portal for the foundation’s offerings and mission, introducing global travelers to a side of Gozo beyond beaches and historic churches. While the site is now archived, the foundation continues its mission and remains a beacon for sustainable travel and local empowerment in Gozo.
This article explores the foundation's origins, cultural and environmental impact, services, philosophy, recognition, and broader significance in the international eco-tourism movement.
Origins and Mission
Founding Principles
The Ager Foundation was founded in October 2005 as a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) with the goal of creating a sustainable tourism infrastructure on the island of Gozo. The project was the first of its kind in Gozo, aiming to cultivate a form of tourism that emphasized:
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Environmental preservation
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Cultural immersion
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Local economic development
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Sustainable agriculture and hospitality
The name “Ager” comes from two linguistic roots:
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The Latin word “Ager”, meaning “field,” symbolizing a connection to the land, farming, and sustainability.
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The Romance verb form “to act” or “to be doing,” representing the foundation’s commitment to hands-on, interactive experiences and proactive environmental engagement.
Location: The Island of Gozo
A Unique Destination
Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, lies just north of Malta’s main island. Known for its rolling green hills, terraced fields, and deep cultural traditions, Gozo is often described as a place “frozen in time.” It is less industrialized and more agriculturally focused than Malta, making it the ideal setting for eco-tourism and agro-tourism initiatives.
Tourism to Gozo is traditionally seasonal, with a spike during summer months. The Ager Foundation sought to “smoothen out the seasonality pattern” by offering year-round, weather-resilient experiences, such as agricultural workshops and cultural immersions.
Programs and Offerings
1. A Day in the Life of a Shepherd
This immersive program invites participants to:
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Feed and milk sheep
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Make Gozitan cheeselets (known locally as gbejniet)
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Enjoy a traditional Gozitan lunch
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Participate in sheep shearing during the season
The experience fosters appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between farmers and the land, showcasing a lifestyle that’s fast disappearing in modern agriculture.
Price: EUR 18.50 per adult; EUR 9.25 per child under 12. Duration: 09:00 – 13:30
2. Exploring Gozo’s Natural Habitat and Social History
Participants in this tour:
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Join local farmers in cultivating terraced fields
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Traverse ancient stone-walled trails and garrigue landscapes
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Explore flora, fauna, and geologic formations
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Learn about Gozitan irrigation and climatology
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Enjoy a picnic featuring ftira (Gozitan flatbread), cheeselets, and local produce
This tour combines environmental science with social history, offering both physical activity and cultural education.
Price: EUR 18.50 per adult; EUR 9.25 per child under 12. Duration: 09:00 – 13:30
3. Culinary Immersion: Preparing Natural Gozo Food
Here, participants actively:
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Learn traditional Maltese and Gozitan recipes
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Prepare dishes like pastizzi, qassatat, and seasonal pies
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Preserve fruits and vegetables (e.g., drying tomatoes and figs)
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Brew traditional clove-infused coffee
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Join in wine tasting and seasonal ingredient foraging
This program, like all others, is capped at small group sizes to preserve authenticity and intimacy.
Price: EUR 18.50 per adult; EUR 9.25 per child under 12. Duration: 09:30 – 13:30
Cultural and Social Significance
Preserving Heritage Through Action
Ager Foundation’s philosophy goes far beyond tourism. It is a deliberate effort to preserve the rural heritage of Gozo by involving visitors in living traditions:
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Stone terracing, an ancient agricultural practice, is maintained by farmers aided through tourism revenue.
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Traditional recipes and food preparation methods are passed on to new generations and curious visitors.
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Older residents act as guides and hosts, transferring generational knowledge directly.
This people-centered approach strengthens community bonds while educating travelers about Gozo’s unique identity.
Slow Food Movement Membership
In 2007, the Ager Foundation became a proud member of the Slow Food International Movement, which promotes:
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Local food traditions
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Small-scale agriculture
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Culinary biodiversity
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Ethical consumption
Through this connection, Ager was invited to present at the 2006 Terra Madre World Meeting of Food Communities in Turin, where it gave a presentation titled “Responsible tourism and the culture of hospitality.”
This global affiliation enhanced the foundation’s credibility and network reach, placing Gozo on the map as a model for sustainable rural tourism.
Awards and Recognition
The Ager Foundation was shortlisted for the 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, selected from over 1200 global nominations. These awards are among the most prestigious in the sustainable tourism world and recognize:
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Ecological responsibility
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Community upliftment
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Cultural preservation
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Positive conservation practices
Such recognition not only validated the foundation’s mission but also brought international awareness to Gozo’s eco-tourism potential.
Audience and Impact
Who Visits?
AgerFoundation.com catered to a diverse but discerning audience:
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Eco-conscious travelers looking to minimize their carbon footprint
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Culinary tourists seeking farm-to-table authenticity
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Educational groups and sustainability advocates
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Families and small group travelers wanting hands-on interaction
Importantly, the programs were not tailored for mass tourism, which is consistent with the foundation’s commitment to minimizing ecological disruption.
Educational and Economic Goals
The foundation aimed to:
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Educate visitors on the value of sustainable living
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Support local farmers and artisans through tourism-based income
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Reduce urban-rural economic disparity in Gozo
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Create new micro-entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture, food, and tourism
Through these goals, Ager helped to reinvigorate rural Gozo, inspiring a new generation to stay connected to their roots while embracing responsible development.
Reviews and Community Voices
A touching testimonial by a New York City property evaluator with family roots in Gozo encapsulated the cross-cultural appreciation sparked by the foundation’s work:
“Whether you’re on a bustling Manhattan block or a quiet Gozitan farm terrace, sustainability is never an abstract ideal—it’s about real people making thoughtful choices that protect their environment and heritage. For me, that makes the Ager Foundation’s work not just admirable, but essential.” —Francis Kenny
Such voices highlight how AgerFoundation.com resonated with both locals and foreigners, bridging worlds through shared values.
Operational Details
Booking and Logistics
The foundation operated its programs year-round with modest pricing and clear ethical practices:
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Group sizes were small (2–6 people) to ensure authentic engagement.
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Vegetarian meals and dietary accommodations were available.
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Local hosts and guides were trained, ensuring safety and professionalism.
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Programs required advance booking, typically a week in advance.
Contact was handled via telephone and email, fostering direct communication between hosts and travelers.
Transition and Current Presence
While the original AgerFoundation.com domain is now archived, the organization continues its work and offerings under a new domain. The foundation remains active in promoting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in Gozo.
This evolution reflects the foundation’s adaptability and its commitment to longevity in a rapidly changing tourism environment.
Broader Impact on Sustainable Tourism
Ager Foundation’s model has influenced eco-tourism efforts in other small-island and rural regions by:
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Demonstrating the viability of small-scale tourism economies
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Highlighting the importance of cultural preservation as a tourist asset
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Reinforcing the notion that sustainability must be local-first
In many ways, the foundation stands as a case study in effective grassroots development that aligns environmental, economic, and social priorities.
AgerFoundation.com was far more than a website—it was the digital front for a grassroots movement that fused ancient tradition with modern sustainability. Through immersive tours, culinary experiences, and community engagement, the Ager Foundation brought Gozo’s cultural treasures to life while safeguarding them for future generations.
As global interest in eco-tourism continues to rise, the Ager Foundation remains a model of how to do it right: slow, small, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the community.