The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, through the Malta Food Agency, has launched the Business Expansion Pilot Initiative, a new measure aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of local producers and facilitating their access to the domestic market.
The initiative is designed to address structural challenges faced by small producers in the agri-food sector, particularly when seeking to enter or expand into supermarkets, the hospitality sector (HoReCa), digital platforms and other organised markets. These challenges include requirements related to professional packaging, labelling, product testing, logistics and compliance with market standards.
Through this initiative, producers will receive financial support to carry out essential investments that enable them to expand in a professional and sustainable manner. The scheme will cover up to 70% of eligible costs on a reimbursement basis, including investments in branding and rebranding, packaging design and development, labelling and regulatory compliance, as well as access to digital systems and online sales platforms.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to further strengthening Malta's agri-food sector, which is built on a strong tradition of small and family-run producers delivering high-quality products. He noted that the initiative not only supports individual businesses but also contributes to strengthening the food supply chain and the rural economy.
The minister added that the government remains committed to reducing barriers to market access and creating more opportunities for Maltese producers to grow, innovate and expand their presence in the local market.
Malta Food Agency Chief Executive Officer Brian Vella said the Maltese agri-food sector is an economic pillar and an essential part of national identity, built on the dedication of producers who deliver quality products on a daily basis. He said the initiative represents a concrete step to provide producers with the necessary tools to advance their businesses and strengthen the presence of Maltese products on the market. He added that the agency's vision is to see more local products on shelves and menus, with increasing success for Maltese and Gozitan businesses, contributing to economic growth and national identity.
Chief Business Development Officer Justin John Camilleri described the initiative as an important step for the agency, noting that it is the first of its kind. He said it will provide direct support to local food producers to strengthen their commercial capacity. The initiative was developed specifically to help Maltese and Gozitan producers invest in preparing their products for market demands, creating more opportunities and increasing the presence of local products in these markets.
The Business Expansion Pilot Initiative will be closely monitored as a pilot project, with its impact evaluated and potential future expansion considered where necessary. A robust governance framework will be applied, including a Selection and Awarding Committee and coordination with the State Aid Monitoring Board, to ensure transparency, consistency and full compliance with applicable rules.
The initiative reinforces the government's commitment to continue strengthening Malta's agri-food sector through policies that promote competitiveness, innovation and sustainability, while creating further growth opportunities for local producers.
The application form will be available on www.foodagency.mt, while queries can be sent to [email protected].