Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo has issued a call for applications for this year's 2014-2020 European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Refalo was addressing a press conference at the pitkalija (open market) where he said that in this time of crisis his ministry needs to show solidarity with the farmers adding that through this scheme, over 6,000 applications have been sent to them to be filled in the coming weeks.

"Because of the drought  we experienced this year we are looking into how to compensate all farmers, and we are speaking with the EU to get the funds but we are also having local discussions." 

Applications need to be sent online on www.arpa.gov.mt, or by mail. The front office is not accepting any applications due to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

He also pointed out that the ministry has started paying for the damages that last February's storm had caused. The government has signed over 100 agreements already in this regard, Minister Refalo said.

Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that Malta contributes over €129 million to this European programme.

Half of this budget is allocated to environmental schemes which help farmers develop their land while also safeguarding Malta's environment. Farmers who make use of these schemes are rewarded for making use of practices that are more environmentally friendly than the ones they are accustomed to. The ministry is anticipating that over 1,000 of the applications sent will be appealing to be rewarded for their participation.

Zrinzo Azzopardi said that over 80% of the funds in question have been allocated already. He added that the ministry will be signing 300 contracts in the coming 5 years.

On a different note, he reminded everyone that applications for investment for the Programme of Rural Development which will be closing in the coming weeks have been simplified.