Around 450 farmers and sheep herders will benefit from €3.6 million in financial aid which can help them to invest in their fields, the Ministry for Agriculture said on Monday, as it commented that the government supports farmers and sheep herders.
The ministry stated that like other European funds, this scheme is administered by the Management Authority, "which operates without any political interference and according to fixed and established criteria". The ministry added that the scheme in question was clear that farmers and sheep herders can benefit up to 50% of their expenditure or a maximum of €15,000, "whichever amount is lower".
It continued that the scheme is intended for small grants, and that "in accordance with the principles of good governance and financial management", the information presented is analysed to ensure that the grants awarded are eligible and represent the actual market value. It said that farmers who wish to reapply for this scheme will be able to do so in the first quarter of 2025 when the scheme is launched again, "while the same scheme is currently open with an allocation of €10M, for projects greater than €30,000".
The ministry remarked that the government remains committed to being a shoulder for Maltese and Gozitan farmers and sheep herders. It continued that this has been shown through the fact that those same farmers and sheep herders are benefitting from an "unprecedented level of direct funds that go straight into their pockets to assist them in their operations". It added that this same government saved hundreds of farmers from losing their crops by reforming the law on agricultural leases, "a law that the Nationalist Party in government never wanted to address".
The Agriculture Ministry concluded that the government will continue to work hand in hand with genuine farmers and sheep herders, and added that those who feel aggrieved by any decision will be given the opportunity to present their complaint for which they will be given the opportune remedies if they are right.