New Malta Food Agency Scheme To Support Local Food Producers

The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, through the Malta Food Agency, has announced the launch of the Business Expansion Pilot Initiative, a new measure aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of local producers and facilitating their access to the domestic market.

This initiative is designed to address the structural challenges faced by small producers in the agri food sector, particularly when seeking to enter or expand within supermarkets, the hospitality sector (HoReCa), digital platforms and other organised markets. These challenges include requirements related to professional packaging, labelling, product testing, logistics and compliance with market standards.

Through this initiative, producers will receive financial support to carry out essential investments that enable them to expand in a professional and sustainable manner. The scheme will cover up to 70 per cent of eligible costs on a reimbursement basis and will include investment in branding and rebranding, packaging design and development, labelling and regulatory compliance, as well as access to digital systems and online sales platforms.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights said that this initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to further strengthening the Maltese agri food sector, which is built on a strong tradition of small and family run producers delivering high quality products. He emphasised that the initiative not only supports individual businesses but also contributes to strengthening the food chain and the rural economy.

The Minister added that the Government remains committed to reducing barriers to market access and creating more opportunities for Maltese producers to grow, innovate and expand their presence in the local market.

Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Food Agency, Brian Vella, said that the Maltese agri food sector is an economic pillar and an essential part of national identity, built on the dedication of producers who deliver high quality products every day. He said the initiative represents a concrete step to provide producers with the tools needed to advance their business and strengthen the presence of Maltese products in the market. He added that the Agency’s vision is to see more local products on shelves and menus, with increasing success for Maltese and Gozitan businesses, contributing to economic growth and national identity.

Justin John Camilleri, Chief Business Development Officer at the Malta Food Agency, said this initiative represents an important step for the Agency as it is the first of its kind. He explained that it will provide direct support to local food producers to strengthen their commercial capacity. He said it is designed to help Maltese and Gozitan producers invest in preparing their products for market needs, creating more opportunities and strengthening the presence of local products in these markets.

The Business Expansion Pilot Initiative is also a pilot scheme, with its impact being closely monitored to evaluate results and consider possible expansion in the future. A robust governance framework will be applied, including a Selection and Awarding Committee and coordination with the State Aid Monitoring Board, to ensure transparency, consistency and full compliance with applicable rules.

This initiative confirms the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Maltese agri food sector through policies that promote competitiveness, innovation and sustainability, while creating more growth opportunities for all local producers.

The application form will be available on www.foodagency.mt, while queries or clarifications can be sent by email to initiatives.mfa@gov.mt

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