Key developments for Gozo’s agriculture and fisheries
The Gozo Confederation for Agriculture and Fisheries (GCAF) continues to monitor developments at Maltese and European level that may affect farmers, livestock breeders, fishers and rural communities in Gozo.
This week, attention turns to investment opportunities for the fishing sector, the future direction of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the European Union’s growing emphasis on innovation and resilience across agriculture and food systems.
Fisheries: Investment Calls Approaching 30 September Deadline
Two important funding opportunities under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) remain open in Malta until 30 September 2026.
The first supports investments on board fishing vessels, including equipment and technologies intended to improve energy efficiency, working conditions, catch quality and environmental sustainability.
For qualifying small-scale coastal fishing vessels of less than 12 metres which do not use towed gear, public aid may reach 80% of eligible costs. Larger eligible vessels may benefit from a 50% aid intensity.
A separate call supports the replacement or modernisation of fishing vessel engines, with the objective of improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
For Gozo’s fishing community, access to investment support of this kind is particularly important given the operating costs and structural constraints faced by small-scale and family-based fishing enterprises.
GCAF encourages potentially eligible fishers to examine the requirements without delay ahead of the 30 September deadline.
Small-Scale Fisheries Must Remain at the Centre of EU Policy
The importance of small-scale fisheries remains particularly relevant for islands such as Gozo.
According to the European Commission, small-scale fisheries accounted for around 49% of employment in EU fisheries in 2021, with the Mediterranean representing one of the areas where the sector is most significant.
Small-scale fishing is not simply an economic activity. For island and coastal communities it contributes to employment, local food supply, traditional knowledge and the continued vitality of coastal communities.
GCAF therefore believes that future Maltese and European fisheries policies should continue to recognise the different operating realities of small-scale and island fishers.
CAP Post-2027: Opportunities for Small and Young Farmers
Discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027 remain particularly significant for Gozo.
The European Commission’s proposal provides for at least €300 billion in ring-fenced EU funding for agricultural income and crisis support. It also proposes more targeted assistance for young farmers, small farms and family farms.
Among the proposed measures are simplified lump-sum support for smaller farms, potentially reaching €3,000 per year, and a dedicated “starter pack” for young farmers.
These proposals are particularly relevant to Malta, where approximately 90% of farms are smaller than two hectares.
For Gozo, however, the debate must go further than farm size alone. Insularity, fragmented agricultural land, transport costs, limited resources, access to water, small markets and difficulties achieving economies of scale all influence the viability of agricultural activity.
GCAF will continue advocating for these realities to be properly reflected in the design and implementation of the next CAP.
EU Places Greater Emphasis on Agri-Food Innovation
The European Commission has also launched a new strategic approach for research and innovation across agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems.
The approach brings together AgRI 2040 and Food 2040, with greater emphasis on moving innovation beyond research and into practical deployment.
For Gozo, innovation does not necessarily mean large or complex technological projects.
Better water management, precision agriculture adapted to small holdings, renewable energy, digital tools, improved livestock management, smarter use of agricultural waste and technologies that reduce production costs could all contribute to making local farms more resilient.
The challenge will be ensuring that small producers and island communities can access these developments rather than being left behind by them.
GCAF Perspective
A common theme continues to emerge across European agricultural and fisheries policy: resilience must be built around the realities of the people actually producing our food.
For Gozo this means policies that recognise small holdings, island constraints, ageing farming communities, the need for generational renewal, climate and water pressures, and the particular importance of small-scale fisheries.
Funding opportunities are important, but they must be accessible, proportionate and designed around the circumstances of small operators.
GCAF will continue monitoring national and European developments and advocating for policies that enable agriculture and fisheries in Gozo not simply to survive, but to remain economically viable for the next generation.
Gozo Confederation for Agriculture and Fisheries
One Island. One Voice for Agriculture and Fisheries.