National Network Malta

NATIONAL

NATIONAL RURAL NETW ORK MINISTRY FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS AND EQUALITY MANAGING AUTHORITY FUNDS AND PROGRAMMES DIVISION TRIQ IL-KUKKANJA SANTA VENERA SVR 1411, MALTA TEL: +356 2200 1059 EMAIL: [email protected] NETWORK MALTA WWW.EUFUNDS.GOV.MT

EDITION 17 DECEMBER 2019 Further Pre-Announcements of Measures

MEASURE 1 • Landscape and environment: The total budget allocated to ‘KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER managing habitats and features this measure is €4.4m. Support AND INFORMATION ACTIONS’ • Maltese quality produce: under this measure is provided to improving quality, traceability, entities providing training courses 2 SUB-MEASURES strategic marketing, adding (sub-Measure 1.1), demonstration The scope of this call is to equip value, branding and promotion activities and information actions farmers with invaluable knowledge • Sustainable Livestock: (sub-Measure 1.2). Eligible and skills which would allow them improving resource efficiency, participants in these activities are to meet the challenges resulting competitiveness, productivity farmers and there is no limit on from the evolving standards and and welfare the size of the farm holding that demands of the rural economy. • Water, wastes and energy: can take part. Participation is to be Service providers applying improving sustainable use and provided free of charge. under this call are expected to generating renewable energy develop and present tailor-made • Wider rural economy and training programmes developed quality of life: developing MEASURE 2.1 in accordance with the needs rural tourism, rural skills and ‘SUPPORT TO HELP established in the RDP, including; promoting social inclusion BENEFITING FROM THE USE OF ADVISORY SERVICES’

The scope of the measure is to assist farmers through Farm Advisory Service Entities recognised by the Farm Advisory Service Registration Board. The use of advisory services for the agricultural sector complements the purpose of measures seeking to

Rural Development Programme for Malta 2014-2020

Part financed by the European Union Co-financing Rate: 75% European Union; 25% Government of Malta

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas improve human potential through • Service Package 1 which Nutrient Management Plan, and training, including Measure 1, and provides information and Operations in Natura 2000. The by providing incentives to farmers creates awareness on Cross service is a tailor-made service to seek direct advice to address Compliance obligations and oriented to solve a specific their specific situation. The budget benefit of AECMs and /or request(s) by the farmer and is allocated to this sub-measure is explanation of the requirements provided freely of charge. €1.9m. and obligations of the AECM • Service Package 2 provides Advisory service is focused on measures implemented by technical advice on the specific issues that are directly the end beneficiary. Other adaptation and mitigation to asked by the recipients of the services under this Service climate change. advice, which should really assess Package include assessing the • Service Package 3 provides the specific situation of each compliance status with the advice of the development of a individual and that is not mere Cross Compliance requirements, business plan. dissemination nor only presenting Occupational Health and Safety The recipients of the advice general information. The service requirements, Soil Testing is restricted to farmers and is packages available under this and Fertiliser Planning, Soil provided free of charge up to measure include: Sampling, Record Keeping, €1,500.

Composting

THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MALTA 2014- under this AECM. This article will 2020 (RDP) CONTAINS A SERIES OF AGRI-ENVIRONMENT provide an overview on how to CLIMATE MEASURES (AECMS) WHICH FALL UNDER MEASURE make composting using the ‘Hot 10.1. THESE ARE VOLUNTARY MEASURES, WHICH FARMERS turn Composting Method’ . This method is the one recommended CAN CHOOSE TO UNDERTAKE. SUPPORT IS GRANTED FOR in the Methodological Assumptions UNDERTAKING A SET OF ACTIONS, WHICH GO ABOVE WHAT IS for Payments Calculations, which is EXPECTED OF THEM BY LAW. an Annex of the RDP. The hot composting method These measures target the various This measure is aimed at arable is more intensive and labour agricultural sectors including land and its objective is to help productive but can potentially permanent crops (vineyards, olive farmers to target the three primary produce compost in as quickly trees fruit trees), arable land, soil related threats on a parcel as 20 days. It has the benefits of beekeepers and protection of level; erosion, compaction and killing weed seeds and pathogens native farm species. low soil organic matter. One of (diseases), and breaking down the One such measure is AECM 5: the obligations of this measure, material into very fine compost. In Measure for the implementation is that farmers have to practice contrast, cold composting takes a of a soil management and composting on at least one of much longer time (six to 12 months) conservation plan on a holding. their parcels which are committed and does not destroy seeds, so National Rural Network | 3 if you cold compost weeds, any 3. The compost heap needs to be green materials and 2/3 dry carbon weed seeds will grow when you at least 1.5m high (any lower materials. put the compost into the garden. than this will not generate the • Materials that are high in carbon Cold composting does not destroy heat required); are typically dry, “brown” pathogens either, so if you put 4. If composting material is high in materials, such as sawdust, diseased plants into your cold carbon, such as tree branches, cardboard, dried leaves, straw, compost, the diseases may spread they need to be broken up, such branches and other woody or into the garden, hence the common as with a mulcher; fibrous materials that rot down advice not to (cold) compost 5. Compost is turned from outside very slowly. diseased plants. The other issue to inside and vice versa to mix it • Materials that are high in with cold composting is that you thoroughly; nitrogen are typically moist, end up with lots of large pieces “green” materials, such as left over in the compost when the In order to achieve the ratio of lawn/grass clippings, fruit process is completed, whereas carbon to nitrogen, the compost and vegetable scraps, animal hot compost looks like fine black materials need to be between 25 manure and green leafy humus (soil). to 30 parts carbon to one-part materials that rot down nitrogen by weight. A simple very quickly KINDLY NOTE THAT THIS IS ONLY method is to use 1/3 Manure and A GUIDE AND IS JUST PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS ON ONE OF MANY POSSIBLE WAYS TO MAKE COMPOSTING. THIS GUIDE IS IN SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE: NO WAY PUTTING OBLIGATIONS ON FARMERS WHO ARE • Locate your compost heap in an area protected from too BENEFICIARIES UNDER AECM 5 much sun or heavy rain, to prevent the compost from drying TO PRACTICE THIS COMPOSTING out or becoming water-logged and slowing down the METHOD. FARMERS ARE FREE composting process. TO PRACTICE ANY OTHER • Space required for your heap should be a minimum 1.5 x 1.5 COMPOSTING METHODS THEY metres, and enough space in front of it to stand when turning SEE FIT. the compost. Any smaller than this will generate the heat required) The requirements for hot • Water each layer until it is moist as you build the heap. composting are as follows: After three or four days, give the compost air by mixing and 1. Compost temperature is turning it over, then turn every three days until the compost maintained between 55-65 is ready, usually in 14-21 days. Remember, frequent turning degrees Celsius; and aeration is the secret of successful composting. 2. The C:N (carbon:nitrogen) • Turn the compost using a garden fork, or even better, a long- balance in the composting handled pitchfork. materials is approximately • In cold or wet weather, you can cover the compost heap with 25-30:1; a tarp or plastic sheet, to prevent the rain cooling it down, since the water will penetrate into the core of the compost pile. Even though cold outside air will cool the surface, but not the core of the compost heap, by covering it, this prevents some heat loss from the surface to cooler outside air, and retains the heat within the compost heap better

NATIONAL RURAL NETWORK. MANAGING AUTHORITY RDP 2014-2020 FUNDS AND PROGRAMMES DIVISION, TRIQ IL-KUKKANJA, SANTA VENERA SVR 1411, MALTA TEL: +356 2200 1059 | EMAIL: [email protected] | WWW.EUFUNDS.GOV.MT | WWW.EUFUNDSMALTA.GOV.MT National Rural Network | 4

STEP BY STEP GUIDE1 DAY 7 & DAY 9 • To heat up the compost • The compost heap should faster, a handful of blood & DAY 1 reach its maximum bone fertiliser per pitchfork • Mix together ingredients by temperature on these days. when turning speeds it up. laying them in alternating As an simple guideline. if you • If it gets too hot and smelly thin layers of “greens” and can put your arm into the and goes down in size, it has “browns”. compost up to the elbow, too much nitrogen, need • Wet the compost heap down then it is not at 50 degrees to slow it down, throw in very well so it is dripping Celsius, and is not hot a handful of sawdust per water out of the bottom and enough. pitchfork when turning is saturated. • Turn the compost heap over • The layers need to be mixed every second day (on day 6 DAY 11 TO DAY 17 in alternating layers of brown and again on day 8). • Continue to turn the compost high carbon materials and • If the compost pile starts every 2nd day green nitrogen rich materials. coming down in size quickly, Ideally, the layer at the top there is too much nitrogen in DAY 18 -21 contains dry brown carbon the compost. • Compost should now be materials and must avoid warm, dark and smells good leaving the green moist and will be ready. materials at the top, since these will smell and attract rodents, flies and other pests. • An activator can be put in the middle of the compost heap to start off composting process. Activators include comfrey, nettles, yarrow, animal, fish, urine, or old compost.

DAY 5 • Turn the compost heap over, outside turned to inside, inside turned to outside. • To explain in more detail, when turning compost, move the outside of the pile to a spot next to it, and keep moving material from the outside to the new pile. When you’re done, all the material that was inside will be outside and vice versa. • Ensure that moisture stays constant. Put gloves on and squeeze a handful of the compost materials, should only release one drop of water, or almost drips a drop

1 This guide was taken from Deep Green Permaculture from the following website https://deepgreenpermaculture.com

THE EVALUATION PROCESS AND THE ROLE THE EVALUATORS HAVE IN THIS PROCESS.

IN MAY 2019, THE EAFRD is also to identify weaknesses in as well as qualitative research MANAGING AUTHORITY the programme and put forward techniques to answer the common ENGAGED AN EVALUATION recommendations on how the evaluation questions outlined in TEAM TO UNDERTAKE THE quality, efficiency and effectiveness the relevant Regulation. Ultimately, EVALUATION ACTIVITIES AND of the programme can be improved. the evaluator and evaluation In these cases, evaluators are to process’ goal is to measure the THE EX-POST EVALUATION suggest possible amendments to effectiveness, efficiency, results and OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT the programme where deemed impacts of the RDP 2014-2020. PROGRAMME FOR MALTA. necessary for the successful These evaluation results are then THE GOAL BEHIND THESE completion of the programme. communicated to the general public EVALUATION ACTIVITIES The presence of these external and key stakeholders. IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL evaluators serves as a quality Since the start date of the EVALUATION ACTIVITIES management mechanism and an contract, the Evaluation Team DETAILED IN RESPECTIVE EU early warning system within the has geared its efforts on the GENERAL AND FUND SPECIFIC RDP 2014-2020 programme. The compilation of the 2018 Annual REGULATIONS ARE CARRIED evaluators are analysing current Implementation Report submitted OUT. data collection methods which to the European Commission on The objective of the are in place and proposing any June 28 2019, which included evaluation activities is to report improvements, or new methods a specific chapter on common to the Managing Authority (MA) that will enhance the data evaluation questions capturing objectively on the progress of the collection function. essential features related to programme in relation to its stated Through their evaluation efforts the qualitative and quantitative goals as well as indicators, by the evaluators are reviewing assessment of the implementation highlighting the most successful the programme’s progress on of the RDP and its progress towards measures, those lagging behind indicators using quantitative the achievement of the targets set. and identifying the reasons for these results. The evaluator’s role National Rural Network | 6 Ministry for Gozo – Measure 4.4 Project

THE MINISTRY FOR GOZO WAS AWARDED AROUND €8,000,000 FROM MEASURE 4.4 OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (2014-2020) TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT: ‘REHABILITATION OF GOZO’S VALLEYS TO ENHANCE THEIR RAIN CAPTURING AND SOIL RETENTION CAPABILITIES’.

Its scope is to augment the island’s soil retention and rain water capturing capabilities through the rehabilitation of 12 valleys across Gozo. These are: Wied ix-Xlendi; Wied tal-Grazzja, Wied ta’ Mgarr ix-Xini, Wied Riħan, Wied Ta Grajgel and Daħlet Qorrot, Wied Il-Wileg (incorporating also Valley at Tal- Halq/Ta Marga l/o Qala), Wied tax-Xħajma, Wied Imgarr/Ġnien Migiarro, Wied ta’ Marsalforn, Wied tal-Ort, Għasri, Wied l-Infern, and Wied il-Kbir. Interventions shall principally consist of the reinstatement of around 26 km of rubble-walls, as well as the clearing of the valleys’ floors and natural water course ways. Through the above interventions, the total rain water harvesting potential of the island are foreseen to increase by around 15,000 m3; reducing the local farming community reliance on Gozo’s groundwater resources. Thus, preventing the occurrence of soil salinization that is the result of continuous use of salt rich water for crop irrigation. One of the consequences of this phenomenon is decreasing crop yields. Gozo’s soil deposits shall also be safeguarded from erosion through run-off due to the reinstated soil retention structures mentioned previously. The main benefit arising from this project shall be a reversal

of landscape degradation and the associated biodiversity THE TOTAL RAIN WATER loss. This shall be achieved HARVESTING POTENTIAL with the restoration of rubble- OF THE ISLAND ARE walls that serve as habitats for FORESEEN TO INCREASE several endemic species and the BY AROUND 15,000 M3 preservation of the island’s soil deposits and perched aquifer.

SUPPLY OF HIGHLY POLISHED TERTIARY TREATED WATER for Agricultural Use

MALTA IS A SEMI-ARID COUNTRY LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. THE SCARCITY OF WATER HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE DOCUMENTED HISTORY AND MEETING THE DEMAND FOR BOTH MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY AS WELL AS THE NEEDS OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS HAS ALWAYS PROVIDED AN IMPORTANT CHALLENGE.

However, this challenge has dispensers will also help in better also provided Malta with an managing the aquifer and reduce opportunity to diversify and the number of water bowsers. further develop its water supply The New Water programme infrastructure. This can be will see the development of an highlighted by the introduction annual production capacity of 7 of sea-water desalination million m3 of high-quality water technology in the 1980’s, and suitable for safe crop irrigation. the continued improvement The project will hence have the of the operational efficiency capacity to potentially address of these desalination plants. up to 35% of the current total Today, sea-water desalination water demand of the agricultural reliably provides around 60% sector. The New Water project of the municipal water supply is thus one of the key measures and has therefore become an under Malta’s Programme of important water resource to Measures intended to enable ensure the sustainability of the achievement of good Malta’s water supply. groundwater quantitative status The Water Services any salinity. The major one in Ta’ in all groundwater bodies in the Corporation is currently Barkat, in the south of Malta, of Maltese islands by 2021. implementing a far-reaching which the distribution network Additionally, among its various national project producing is being supported through the benefits, this project establishes New Water mainly for farming European Agricultural Fund for and facilitates a better and agricultural purposes. Rural Development, can produce distribution of water among This project is being financed 9,600 cubic metres per day farmers in the agricultural sector through EU funds. This water is produced by especially during periods of low By means of polishing sophisticated reverse osmosis and demand and drought, as well as plants built within the sewage ultra-filtration machinery ensuring facilitating a better water supply treatment plants at Ras il-Ħobż, product quality and security. A network and connection among Gozo, Iċ-Ċumnija l/o Mellieha number of reservoirs in Malta and the same farmers. and Ta’ Barkat l/o Xgħajra, Gozo are being restored or built The aim is to achieve a ‘net treated sewage is being turned and a distribution infrastructure zero-impact’ on the natural water into high-quality second-class of around 60 km is being laid cycle, whereby groundwater water and many farmers are across the Maltese Islands. New being abstracted will be replaced, now benefitting from higher Water is being dispensed through directly or indirectly, by means of yields and longer-lasting crops electronic dispensers, of which a number of measures, including by using New Water. This is around 400 will eventually be the production and subsequent mainly because the water is of commissioned, to reach clients all delivery of new water. the highest quality and unlike over the main agricultural areas ground water does not contain in the vicinity of the plants. These