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Call for Proposals: On-Farm Non-Productive Investments Funding (Malta)

Deadline: 29-May-2026

The Ministry responsible for European Funds invites farmers in Malta to apply for grants supporting on-farm tree planting initiatives. Projects must enhance environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, with funding covering eligible costs for materials, labour, and professional services.

Overview of the Intervention

The Ministry has launched a funding programme to support farmers in on-farm non-productive investments aimed at improving environmental sustainability and biodiversity through tree planting. This initiative aligns with the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan objectives: sustainable resource management, reduction of chemical dependency, and halting biodiversity loss while enhancing ecosystem services and preserving habitats. The intervention focuses on tree planting activities and ancillary works that contribute to environmental and climate goals.

Eligible Actions

Funded actions include:

  • Tree Planting: For soil management, erosion control, and ecological enhancement

  • Removal of Invasive Alien Species: Planting replacement trees must follow Environment and Resources Authority guidelines and avoid chemical removal

  • Afforestation: Minimum land area of 0.5 hectares with 10% tree cover, using native or indigenous species suitable for Malta
    Additional eligible activities:

  • Cutting, thinning, or pruning trees to improve ecological value

  • Professional services (architectural, engineering, consultation fees, feasibility studies, patents/licenses) up to 15% of total project cost

  • Publicity and dissemination costs exceeding mandatory obligations

  • Overhead costs supported automatically at a 7% flat rate of total direct eligible costs

Funding Details

  • Indicative Budget: €500,000 total public expenditure

  • Eligible Costs: Materials, services, labour, and professional services linked to environmental improvements

  • Ineligible Costs:

    • Equipment/machinery purchases unrelated to the intervention

    • Restoration of rubble walls

    • Tree planting unrelated to environmental objectives

    • Investments linked to private dwellings, accommodation, or hotels

    • Non-native tree species

    • Projects already physically completed

    • VAT, project management, in-kind contributions, ordinary maintenance, and transaction costs
      The Managing Authority may adjust allocations or cap funding if demand exceeds available resources.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Farmers: Natural persons, legal entities, or partnerships operating in the eligible territory
    Eligibility Requirements:

  • Fully completed application submitted

  • Proof of legal representation or membership in the applying organization

  • Evidence of financial capacity to cover private contributions if required

  • Project must align with intervention objectives and comply with environmental, planning, and agricultural legislation

How to Apply

  1. Prepare Application: Include project description, objectives, timeline, costs, and compliance evidence

  2. Demonstrate Eligibility: Confirm applicant status, financial capacity, and alignment with programme goals

  3. Submit Proposal: Projects must be implemented within the eligible territory

  4. Evaluation: Applications assessed on relevance, feasibility, and contribution to environmental sustainability and biodiversity

Why It Matters

Supporting tree planting initiatives contributes to:

  • Soil and water conservation through erosion control and sustainable management

  • Enhanced biodiversity and habitat preservation

  • Climate action through increased carbon sequestration

  • Sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical dependency

Common Mistakes & Tips

  • Submitting incomplete applications or missing financial documentation

  • Proposing non-native or ineligible tree species

  • Including projects already completed

  • Requesting funding for ineligible items such as private dwellings, machinery unrelated to objectives, or ordinary maintenance

  • Failing to comply with environmental or planning legislation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this funding?
Farmers, including natural persons, legal entities, or partnerships operating in Malta.
2. What types of tree planting are eligible?
Native or indigenous species for soil management, erosion control, or afforestation. Removal of invasive species is eligible if replacement planting follows guidelines.
3. What expenses are covered?
Materials, labour, professional services (up to 15%), and a 7% overhead for project implementation.
4. Can projects already completed receive funding?
No, only new projects implemented after submission are eligible.
5. Are non-native species eligible for funding?
No, only native or indigenous trees suitable for the Maltese environment are supported.
6. Can funding be used for private dwellings or hotels?
No, the intervention excludes private dwellings, accommodation, or hotel-related investments.
7. What is the minimum area and tree cover for afforestation projects?
Minimum land area of 0.5 hectares with at least 10% tree cover is required.

Conclusion

This tree planting initiative provides Maltese farmers with a unique opportunity to enhance environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem services on their land. By participating, farmers contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, climate action, and long-term ecological resilience in Malta.

For more information, visit Fondi.eu.