Bank of Valletta has developed a new package aimed to assist farmers adapt and develop by helping to make farmland more accessible.

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 Sta 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 − farm accessibility.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr Caruana said, “The type of interventions visualised in the development of infrastructure are focused on 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 – made possible by a budget of more than €8 million 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. This financing package includes bridging facilities, the issuing of Guarantees and the possibility of advance payments through the BOV 4 Agriculture Package,” he explained.