A new financial aid scheme has been launched during a press conference on Wednesday which aims to support Maltese and Gozitan farmers in the adoption of agroforestry systems, the Ministry for Agriculture stated.

The Ministry said that this scheme is an important step in the protection of the environment as well as the sustainable development of farming in Malta. It added that agroforestry systems include the planting of fruit trees.

Minister Anton Refalo said that through this initiative, the government will provide financial support to farmers who integrate forestry practices with farming on the same land. The Ministry stated that such a system helps in soil conservation and improves biodiversity as well as carbon sequestration in the soil.

Refalo continued that this scheme, which has a budget of €600,000 financed by national funds, aims to encourage farmers to use modern methods that increase the sustainability and productivity of the land. He added that this scheme aligns with Malta's goals for sustainable development and the protection of natural resources.

The Director General of the Agricultural and Rural Payments Agency (ARPA), Louisa Formosa, said that this scheme offers an opportunity for farmers to adopt more sustainable systems which help reduce emissions, improve soil health, and improve agricultural productivity. She commented that the funding for this scheme is intended to support farmers through the process of change.

Formosa concluded by encouraging those eligible to contact ARPA for more information and guidance on the application.

The Ministry stated that applications for the scheme are now open, and that interested farmers can contact ARPA on the number 2292 6148 or the email address [email protected].