Paying for rural development

For the period 2007- 2013, Malta secured €100 million in EU funds to develop its rural areas. This money is being used to address Malta’s weaknesses in rural development, to increase competitiveness and to safeguard social and environmental considerations.

.…the (Paying Agency) has effected payments amounting to more than €71 million to over 8,000 beneficiaries- Marisa Debono

Rural development funds are channelled through the Paying Agency. This handles the timely and correct payments to the rural stakeholders while ensuring that farmers at a local level are compliant with the Common Agricultural Policy.

Strict regulations control the operational aspects of the PA.

Ever since it was set up, the PA has grown and developed into a dynamic organisation. It makes sure that the agricultural sector is compliant and able to provide qualitative agricultural products while safeguarding the environment in a competitive open market. Moreover, the PA sees to it that the natural geographic and socio-demographic limitations of the islands are respected.

To date, the PA has effected payments amounting to more than €71 million to over 8,000 beneficiaries. The main stakeholders are individual farmers and livestock breeders. However, NGOs, local councils, local action groups and the public too benefit from such funds.

The agency kept abreast of technological advancements by introducing a number of mobile and electronic services. Relevant and current information, including data related to payments, is disseminated to beneficiaries via SMS with more than 80 per cent of the beneficiaries making use of the service.

The introduction of online access to the Farmer’s Registry was also very popular among beneficiaries. About 45 per cent of stakeholders subscribed to this service. By using this service, beneficiaries can have access to their personal details, view ortophotos and satellite images of their holdings, make payment claims and submit applications. They can also request information related to their payments.

In order to enhance its overall performance and improve communication with its beneficiaries, the PA feels the need to gather information and suggestions from stakeholders. In this regard, a survey was carried out among a number of beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries were specifically asked to classify the overall service of the agency. The reply was very positive with 81 per cent stating that the service is very good. Sixteen per cent rated the service as being excellent while the remaining three per cent classified the service as adequate or bad.

Beneficiaries were also asked to provide feedback on the new call centre of the PA located at the Pitkali markets. Seventy-one per cent of those interviewed said that the centre was beneficial as it is central and accessible.

They also noted that the office is well planned and equipped with the latest technology, thus the service provided is very efficient.

The remaining 29 per cent is attributed to Gozitan farmers who, for practical reasons, prefer the Gozo office.

Those interviewed were also asked whether they benefit from the e-services offered by the PA including e-mail, online payment claims, access to the Farmer Registry and browsing through the website. In case of a negative feedback, they were asked to provide a specific reason for this.

Over 50 per cent still prefer personal contact and the remaining beneficiaries, who do not make use of e-services, are either unaware of what is on offer or are not computer literate.

Increasing the number of individuals making use of these services is indeed challenging when considering that about 30 per cent of the stakeholders are not computer literate.

The PA will keep on striving to be at the service of the agricultural community while ensuring compliance with national and EU obligations. Thus, suggestions from beneficiaries are always welcome.

More detailed information on how to benefit from aid schemes offered by the PA can be obtained through the agency’s website at www.mrra.gov.mt/PA, by calling on 2590 4204 or via e-mail at payingagency.mrra@gov.mt.

One can also call personally at the PA front office located at the Pitkali markets, Ta’ Qali, limits of Attard or at the Government Farm, Triq l-Imġarr, Xewkija during office hours.

The author is senior agricultural officer at the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs’ Paying Agency.