Joe Caruana, Head Paying Agency on behalf of the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs launched Agriculture Measure 125 during a press conference held at Bank of Valletta’s Head Office in St Venera.

The objective of Measure 125 is to facilitate the development and adaptation of agriculture by supporting the improvement of the necessary infrastructure, and to address one of the major limitations affecting agricultural land quality and productivity in Malta - that is - farm accessibility.

Speaking during the press conference, Mr Caruana said “The type of interventions visualized in the development of infrastructure are focused to consolidating and updating existing infrastructure and the provision of improved access to agricultural holdings which will ultimately provide better products for the final consumer”

“This will be possible through the LEADER programme launched earlier this year that encourages implementation of integrated, high-quality and original strategies for sustainable development” continued Mr Caruana. “This is possible to a budget of more than €8 million that is being administered by three Local Action Groups, GAL Xlokk, Majjistral and Gozo”.

The press conference was also addressed by Peter Sant, EU and SME Officer at Bank of Valletta

“Bank of Valletta has a tailor-made financing package that offers added-value to those participating in the LEADER Programme”, said Mr Sant. “This financing package includes bridging facilities, the issuing of Guarantees and the possibility of advance payments through the BOV 4 Agriculture Package”, continued Mr Sant.