Government launches irrigation water aid scheme for farmers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo has launched an aid scheme for farmers as compensation for expenses related to the purchase of irrigation water during the summer months.

A government statement said that this scheme has an allocation of €700,000 from national funds.

He explained that water is one of the biggest challenges for agriculture in Malta, especially due to climate change.

“For many farmers, the only solution remains to purchase water by bowser at great expense, especially during the summer months. This scheme is a practical and targeted measure to reduce the burden on farmers and keep our agriculture strong and sustainable,” he said.

To apply, farmers must be registered as active farmers with the Agriculture and Rural Payments Agency (ARPA), be classified as Category 2 or higher, be beneficiaries of the Areas with Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme during 2024, use irrigation water on their cultivated fields through water purchased from bowsers, and have purchased a water supply equivalent to the minimum required for each category, between 1 June and 30 September, as indicated in the guidelines.

Applicants must also submit a crop plan for the summer period and keep fiscal receipts from licensed water suppliers (authorised by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services – REWS) showing the volume of water purchased.

At the application stage, receipts do not need to be presented. After the summer ends and the list of eligible applicants is published, ARPA will request the presentation of these receipts, the statement said.

Applications will be open until 26 September. Interested farmers may apply by visiting the ARPA Offices at the Pitkalija or the Xewkija Experimental Farm in Gozo.

Applications must reach ARPA before the deadline. Further details can be found in the detailed guidelines on the website arpa.gov.mt.

For more information, farmers may contact ARPA on 2292 6148 or send an email to arpa.mafa@gov.mt