Maltese and Gozitan farmers will benefit from an aid scheme for which a budget of €3 million has been allocated from national funds. This was announced during a news conference by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo.
Minister Refalo explained how Maltese and Gozitan farmers are facing a large increase in production costs, in particular the increase in the purchase price of fertilizers that are necessary in their agricultural activity.
Louisa Formosa, Director for Payments within the Agricultural and Rural Payments Agency (ARPA) explained that this aid will be given in the form of vouchers that can be used by farmers to purchase fertilisers.
She explained how the agency issued a call for interest so that owners of establishments that sell fertilizers can join this scheme. Vouchers will only be redeemable in identified establishments.
Minister Refalo explained that, “Through this scheme, we are seeing how the Government is once again supporting Maltese and Gozitan farmers in moments they really need, because of the effects that it left the pandemic and also because of the impact of the war in Ukraine”. He confirmed that around 6,000 farmers are eligible for this scheme.
This scheme is further help for farmers who are already benefiting from other national schemes issued in recent months. More information can be obtained by email at arpa.mafa@gov.mt or by calling 22926148.
Photos: MAFA
