European funds continue to be invested in Maltese agriculture through a project worth over €930,000 by BSS, involving a modern olive processing facility in Rabat. The project is co-financed by European funds under Malta’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan.
This project is modernising Malta’s olive oil sector through the new facility and the introduction of advanced processing technology, which will improve productivity, quality and innovation in olive oil production.
This investment will support local farmers by providing better access to processing services and strengthening their position in the value chain. Around 2,000 farms and olive growers are expected to use the facility each year.
The Minister for EU Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti attended the inauguration of the project Innovation and Sustainability for Maltese Olive Oil Production. The Minister stressed that “when we invest European funds in agriculture, we are investing in the work and future of our farmers. This project gives farmers access to more modern technology, helping them improve the quality of their produce and strengthen their position in the market.”
For his part, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Anton Refalo stated that this investment represents another important step towards strengthening Malta’s agricultural sector, particularly olive oil production.
“Our farmers need the tools, infrastructure and opportunities to continue improving their produce and become more competitive. Through this modern facility, we are creating new opportunities for Maltese olive growers while continuing to add value to local produce and the work of everyone involved in this sector. Modern investments such as these are also important in encouraging more young people to enter agriculture and see the sector as a tangible opportunity for their future. By continuing to invest in technology and innovation, we are making the agricultural sector more attractive to new generations and encouraging more young farmers to start or further develop their agricultural activities. Our aim is to continue building a more sustainable, innovative and robust agricultural sector for future generations,” Minister Refalo said.
The General Manager of BSS Ltd Kurt Grima said: “As a family business, we believe that Malta’s olive-growing tradition deserves a strong future. Through this investment, we are offering growers in Malta and Gozo modern technology to turn their olives into quality oil. Whether one has three trees or three hundred, we are there to support them.”
This project demonstrates how European funds can support the modernisation of agriculture and provide Maltese producers with the tools to become more competitive. Investments such as these are strengthening a sector that combines the quality of Maltese produce with innovation and sustainability.