Agriculture is integral to the economy of the European Union (EU). The Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) is the main EU funding programme supporting investment in agriculture and rural development.

EAFRD funding for 2014-2020 was fully allocated, however funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) has been utilised to re-open three funding opportunities. Measure 4.1 – ‘Support for investments in agricultural holdings’, Measure 6.1 – ‘Business start-up aid for young farmers’ and Measure 6.4 – ‘Support for investments in creation and development of non-agricultural activities’, are currently open for applications.

Through these funding opportunities, farmers can invest in their agricultural holdings through the purchase of new equipment, invest in non-agricultural activities and also start their agricultural business in the case of young farmers (those aged 40 or younger setting up an agricultural holding for the first time). The deadline for submission of applications under each call is September 30, 2022.

Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta (SEM) is a government agency which serves as a gateway to EU related services. For further information on the EAFRD programme or any other matter related to the EU, kindly contact SEM on 2200 3300 or info.sem@gov.mt.