Rural Heritage

Though agriculture in the park is very limited, owing to the soil conditions that have lead to establishment of garrigue in many areas, there are isolated pockets, mostly located in the Eastern part along Xagħra l-Ħamra, limits of Manikata. The Park is currently situated in its entirety on State property, with some farmers enjoying agricultural leases. These produce a variety of vegetables and some olives, as well as wheat.

Some farmers have shown an interest in converting to organic farming. One farmer has obtained certification that he is in conversion prior to the establishment of the Park in September, 2007.

The vision of the Managers of the Park includes the promotion of organic farming, the development of agro environmental initiatives, and the launch of a brand for the products coming out of the park. The Manager aims to facilitate and promote agro tours which could supplement the farmers' income and assist in conversion to a more sustainable agriculture that would reflect the status of the Park.

It is also important to ensure that agriculture does not impinge on the protected habitats in the park, such as the garrigue, rich as it is in Wild Thyme and Mediterranean Heath.

The rubble walls that were constructed to prevent soil erosion are largely a bad state of repair. These will be repaired or reconstructed in order to maintain the Park's rural integrity.