Enhancing Rural Development in Malta: Agricultural Investments and Marketing Improvements

1. Rural Development Department Investments in Agricultural Holdings & Improvements in Processing and Marketing Measures in Malta

3. Map of Malta

4. Total population – 402,000 Population density – 1,274 /Km2 Area: 316 Km2 Contribution of Agriculture to GDP: 2.4% % of Employment in Agriculture: 1.1% Self sufficient in Vegetable, Pig, Poultry & Dairy production General Data

5. Map of Development Zones & Natural Habitats

6. Rural and Peri-Urban Landscape

7. Importance of Agriculture • Significant Land User - 37% of territory • Practically constitutes our Countryside • Many Archaeological/cultural heritage sites • Shaped our Rural Landscape • Part of our Cultural Identity • Important Element of Relaxation • Green Lung • Source of Fresh Food

8. Countryside Views

10. Typical Holdings

11. Total Agricultural Area: 11,619 ha Total Irrigated land: 1,509ha No. of Holdings: 11,959 Average size of Holding: 0.875 ha 74% of Holdings less than 1ha Total No. of Farmers: 15,168 - Only 20% < 40years/ 38% > 55 years old - 10% Full-timers Summary of Agricultural Data

12. Comparison of Agricultural Sectors(Final Agricultural output at producer prices - 117M€)

13. Terraced Fields Showing Parcel Usage

15. Agricultural Constraints & Challenges

16. Rural Development Measures 04 -0 6 (39.6M€)

17. 1st and 2nd Pillar Aid (Euros) – 2004

18. Number of Beneficiaries - 2004

19. Average Aid Perceived per Beneficiary in Euros for 2004 campaign

20. Objective: Improve the productivity, efficiency and competitiveness of farms and the quality of produce including the promotion of higher standards of animal welfare and hygiene, and environmental performance. Beneficiaries: Farmers & their Associations, Agric. Companies. Available Budget for 2004-2006: 3.7 M€ Investment in Agricultural Holdings Measure

21. 368 Applications received 268 Eligible Applications requesting grants of 4.41M€ 70 Applications chosen after ranking Total Investment: 4.95M€ Total Grant Requested: 2.32M€ - 47% of total investment costs IAH First Results (Call for Proposals August – October 2004)

22. 70% Full time farmers 10% Agriculture companies 3% Females 29% Livestock breeders Ξ 53% of grants requested 21% Under 40 years of age Analysis of Successful Applicants for IAH Measure

23. Analysis of Proposed Projects

24. Objective: To enhance the situation of the agricultural sector by improving the economic performance of the marketing and processing chain, through gains in both productivity and competitiveness. Beneficiaries: Agro-processors, Producer Groups and Farmers Cooperatives or Associations. Available Budget for 2004-2006: 2.3M€ Improving Marketing & Processing of Agricultural Products

25. 22 Applications from Agro-processors 17 Eligible Applications requesting grants of 4.41M€ 10 Applications chosen after ranking Total Investment: 1.91M€ Total Grant Requested: 0.92M€ - 48% of total investment costs IMP First Results (Call for Proposals August – October 2004)

26. Analysis of Successful Applications for IMP Measure70% of applications – New Equipment ; 30% -Construction/ refurbishment

27. Huge Interest in Investment Schemes shown by farmers & processors over other RD schemes, Significant needs of sector to restructure, Limited Innovation in types of projects applied for, Limited cooperation amongst beneficiaries for partnerships & absence of proposals for integrated projects, No Farmers Cooperatives / Associations applied for aid, Need for increased awareness, training and advisory services for farmers, Steep learning curve for administration, administrative burden & costs of RD schemes. Some Conclusions