Minister Anton Refalo launched two national schemes that provide financial assistance to Maltese and Gozitan farmers and villagers in order to mitigate the negative consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the local agricultural sector.
This is the second launch of these schemes since they were also issued in 2020. The schemes are fully funded by national funds approved by the European Commission under the Temporary Framework for State Aid Measures.
A total of 5,266 pre-filled applications were sent to farmers and villagers eligible under these aid schemes. 4,701 applications were submitted for the farmers ‘scheme while 565 applications were submitted for the farmers’ scheme.
One scheme will provide financial assistance to farmers, a payment of € 200 per hectare of eligible land, and another scheme will provide financial assistance to farmers, a payment based on the number of eligible animals and on the basis of the assisted sector.
Minister Anton Refalo said the government was committed to supporting and providing financial assistance to local farmers and villagers. In fact, a substantial budget amounting to € 4.5 million has been allocated fully funded by national funds. He also said that he is satisfied that the aid under these schemes will be given to more than 5,000 farmers and pastoralists who in the year 2020 had applied with the Agricultural and Rural Payments Agency and had been considered eligible.
This scheme was launched in early June and the Agency has already sent applications by post to all eligible people.
Completed applications must be returned to the front office by 31 July 2021.
