An analysis of the impact of the investment guidance funds in the agricultural sector

Abstract

The effects of Guidance Schemes will have substantial impacts on the overall performance of the agricultural sector. Although, agriculture has a minimal contribution to economic growth, it is important for shaping the rural landscape and for the environmental aspect. Moreover, it is a component of the cultural heritage, which is very important for the tourism industry. As the Maltese Islands are highly densely populated, agriculture and rural areas provide a green lung for the population apart from a form of recreation. detail, since their launching date and throughout their implementation. Considerations of what can be done in order to continue to tap EU funds and targeting the most stakeholders in need is found in Chapter 5, where public officials involved in the implementation of grant schemes along the years have been interviewed to identify problems faced by the applicants throughout projects completion. Moreover, current similar grant schemes which are being implemented were identified, leading to some recommendations concerning the implementation of such funds. A number of appendices are also included; referring to the evaluation grids that have been used for the ranking of potential final recipients, in order to benefit from different grant schemes.