An agreement was signed between the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights and the European Services in Malta at the AgriConnect offices in Gozo – an agreement that will strengthen collaboration between the two entities so that European aid, including funds, reaches farmers more easily.
The signing of the agreement was chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, and the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi. Thanks to this agreement, services will continue to be strengthened so that access to European Union funding in the agricultural sector is facilitated.
Through AgriConnect in Gozo, the SEM will be able to maintain direct contact with Gozitan farmers and inform them of funding calls related to agriculture. This means that no one is left behind or uninformed about crucial opportunities for their development. Therefore, this agreement is a testament to the Government’s commitment to continue supporting Gozitan and Maltese farmers.
Minister Anton Refalo reiterated that this agreement reflects the Government’s clear commitment to reducing the administrative burden on farmers, particularly when it comes to accessing European funds. This not only means less bureaucracy, but also more time and resources for agricultural production and the sustainable development of Gozitan land. “Agriculture is not just a job – it is an identity, a culture and a support for future generations. Therefore, this agreement is a symbol of mutual trust, responsibility and a common vision between the Government and its institutions, together with the agricultural community,” added Minister Refalo.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed the importance of this agreement as a means to improve the services provided to farmers and ranchers, in a way that makes European funds more accessible to them. He thanked the Ministry for Agriculture and the European Services in Malta for their cooperation and commitment, and stressed that this collaboration is a concrete step that continues to strengthen support for the agricultural sector in our country. “With this agreement we are offering more effective and people-friendly support, and ensuring that farmers and ranchers are in a better position to obtain assistance and financing from European funds,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
SEM’s Chief Executive Officer, Rodrick Zerafa, said that this agreement is the result of work carried out by SEM in recent years where a number of initiatives were identified that facilitate access to European funds for farmers and ranchers. SEM was instrumental, among others, in simplifying certain processes and thus allowing more farmers and ranchers to apply. “Anyone wishing to apply for European funds should not give up before they start. Our mission is to make it as easy as possible for the funds to be taken and used for the benefit of both those who benefit from them and society in general.”
