Malta’s Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020

Professor Janet DwyerCCRI, UK, working in partnership with EMCS, E-cubed, and the Managing Authority for Malta

Priorities for Maltese agriculture and rural areas

• Build upon strengths – distinctive character, wide diversity of products, significant consumer potential in Maltese and visitor markets, a quality, healthy image, not high-volume or ‘cut-price’ output

• Develop opportunities – for key sectors, working together, improving returns, cutting costs and building a stronger image and reputation for product quality, stronger supply chains, better links to tourism, better joined-up management of land and permits / licences

• Address weaknesses and threats: pressure on basic resources (water, energy), authenticity, low consumer awareness, technical / business skills, poor prospects for young people, neglected landscapes, poor infrastructure

RDP Priority 1. Water, wastes and energy (€19 million)• Set up a ‘rural knowledge hub’ of

training and advice for land-based farms, grants for equipment, improving efficiency of fertiliser, pesticides, water and energy use, cutting costs

• TSE polished water supply to farms• Farm reservoirs to capture and store

rainwater

• Livestock waste for energy, and fertiliser – collective biogas production

• Support for other renewable energy production on farms – but it must be attractive, appropriate and accessible: plan a co-ordinated approach with MEPA, EneMalta & MRA

2. Maltese quality produce (€27 million) Traceability and quality •new strategic groups of producers (co-operatives, PGs) working to agree what is needed •funding to set up quality standards (e.g. PDO/PGI) •Pitkalija project phase 2•testing & laboratory services, grading, packing & distribution

2. Maltese quality produce (€27 million)Marketing and promotion •a ‘Maltese Alliance’ for product identity, funding promotion & brands •new links to retail / catering and hospitality, direct sales e.g. expand farmers markets, •improve market information / data for producers

Product innovation and adding value •aid for processing, washing, cold stores, cutting & curing, new product research•business development / young farmers start-up aid

3. Sustainable livestock (€18 million) Improve production efficiency - help sector co-ops to provide expert advice to producers: save costs, better performance, targeted investment

Encourage co-operation- sheep & goats, rabbits & poultry

Improve breeding, disease & veterinary support - fund research, consultancy, mentoring, visits abroad, demonstrations, training

Enhance quality & value of Maltese forage

- Fund a network for good practice (e.g. Gozitan dairy sector), exchange visits, advice and experiments

Encourage closer working with land-based sector, to co-ordinate production and consumption of forage

Young farmers start-up aid

4. Landscape and environment (€37 million)Set up local area management groups (public-private partnerships between councils, farmers, MEPA, NGOs) - funding to appoint project officers, develop management plans, work with farmers to help them access RDP

Co-ordinate RDP actions in each area

Agri-environment funding for bees, trees and landscape restoration (rubble walls, terraces, garigue and maquis)

Courses and events – build local knowledge

Less Favoured Area payments available to all those managing land, to help keep it farmed

5. Wider rural economy & quality of life (€24 million)Tourism - a strategic plan with MTA - key infrastructure & development projects in rural locations (e.g. rural roads) - new farm tourism funds

A clear and distinct role for Malta’s 3 LEADER local action groups•micro-business support to set-up and grow•training and exchange visits to improve quality •funding new enterprises (crafts, shops, trails)•market research & product development•local interpretation (improving facilities, new events)

Additional measures to help with access to funds (€11million)

• ‘Financial Engineering’: low-interest loans or loan guarantees to help match-fundingfor investment grants

• A risk management fund to pay compensation when crops or stock damaged by unforeseen, extreme events (hailstorms, disease epidemics)

• ‘Technical assistance’ to help applicants to design good projects and apply for support