Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights Anton Refalo announced the allocation of €4.5 million for financial aid from the national funds of Malta towards farmers and farm animal breeders, due to the rising costs caused by the pandemic, the effects of the war in Ukraine as well as the higher costs for fertilizer for farmers.

€1.5 million will be given to farmers and €2.5 million will be allocated to animal breeders. €446,000 will be allocated towards the continuation of the scheme for pig’s welfare next April. Overall, €12.5 million will have amounted in the last three years. Applications will be sent to eligible persons by post within the coming month.

Refalo said that the world has faced an unprecedented situation due to the pandemic, which has left several negative impacts including in the local agricultural sector. He also said that there are major disturbances in trade for essential goods such as grain, as well as necessary inputs for agricultural production such as energy sources and fertilizers.

According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the price of wheat has greatly increased, and will continue to result in a huge rise in grain prices. The ministry will continue to work to provide further financial assistance to farmers and breeders to alleviate the high costs and lack of income due to these difficulties.

Farmers have already been and will be receiving direct payments from PAK in the coming days and weeks, Refalo said.