This project consists of an aid scheme whereby the focus is on the consolidation of agricultural holdings pertaining to farmers. Funds from this project are intended to improve production efficiency, animal welfare, and hygiene through investment in new and improved housing and technology; support building or building refurbishment if it complies with relevant national legislation; purchase new or second-hand equipment; purchase of land; overcome the inefficiencies of multiple ownership of land and small land parcels through common management and use of pooled resources; improve product quality and timeliness through technological improvements including farm mechanisation, irrigation, and protective cropping; invest in water collection and distribution systems; improve and construct new field/farm access private roads; provide for establishment costs for new holdings (purchase of livestock and/or perennials); provide for work inputs by the applicant or family member which are the subject of a contribution in kind (number of hours of work to execute actions proposed and use of own equipment or machinery); cater for investments made by a group of farmers.
Who will benefit?
Farmers and Farming Businesses
How much is being allocated to the project?
€ 8,723,572
How is the project progressing?
Two calls were issued to the public, the first call was launched in August 2004 and the second in October 2005.
The year 2006 was characterised with the processing and approval of the applications received under the call launched in the 2005. All funds earmarked for this project will all be committed to the agricultural communities shortly. Sub-projects which will be benefiting from this aid will commence soon after their contracts will be finanlised.
Under the first call, 10 final recipients had been selected by the Selection Committee which represents various agro-food sectors including tomato processors, olive and lemon pressing establishments, potato exporters, wine producers and meat processors. All of these sub-projects are near completion.
Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006.
Project part-financed by the European Union - European Regional Development Fund.
Co-financing rate: 75% EU:25% Government of Malta.
