During 2025, the Agricultural and Rural Payments Agency (ARPA) processed almost €70.5 million in payments under various schemes from the European Union and national funds, an increase of 45% on the previous year.
This means more direct aid in the pockets of farmers, more investment in farms, and more support for rural communities. This was announced during a visit to a cattle farm in San Ġwann, where Ministers Anton Refalo and Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi met with young farmer Joseph Mizzi and his father Salvatore Mizzi.
Joseph Mizzi benefited from aid schemes for the modernization of farms as well as investment aid for young farmers. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that these results show how European and national funds are reaching those who work the land and grow local produce in a concrete way, by strengthening the competitiveness, modernisation and sustainability of Maltese agriculture.
“This is an investment in our people, in the farmers and herders who embrace the land with dedication and look towards a sustainable future. The Government is giving a clear signal that it believes in the agricultural sector, not only as a means of production, but as a pillar of our country’s identity and food security,” said Minister Refalo.
In 2025, more than 6,600 applications were processed, including new schemes for animal welfare and assistance to young farmers to establish themselves in the market. More than €40 million was paid on concrete investment projects that strengthen the basis of Maltese agriculture. “Budget 2026 continues to support the sector, strengthen rural communities and provide a clear direction towards modern, sustainable and resilient agriculture,” concluded Minister Refalo.
The Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, praised the commitment of young farmers and other entrepreneurs who, like Joseph Mizzi, are making use of European funds to strengthen their operations. He stressed that this project is a clear example of how European Union funds are reaching people and are delivering concrete results in rural communities, such as in this case in the field of farming and milk production.
“European funds are not just about infrastructure, but about investing in people – in farmers, in workers and in families. In this way, we continue to build an economy that is sustainable, competitive and looks to the future,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi. He added that the Government will continue to work to implement more projects with European funds in various sectors and to create more opportunities in the agricultural sector and beyond.
