Datenbank der Projekte zur ländlichen Entwicklung
Investment in Energy Efficient Mushroom Cultivation
Summary
Use of EAFRD support for the modernisation of agricultural holdings to finance the necessary technological investment for a mushroom enterprise in Malta to increase its production, improve product quality and control its energy use more efficiently.
Background
This significant investment was undertaken by one of the major mushroom producers in the Maltese Islands - Island Mushrooms Growers Ltd. focusing on the environmental aspect of mushroom cultivation. The project consists of the installation of a cooling and climate control system to improve environmental conditions (i.e. the microclimate required by mushrooms) during the entire process of mushroom cultivation.
Objective
The objective of this investment is to control all the environmental growing factors throughout the process of mushroom cultivation, resulting in the most efficient and effective level of output.
Main activities
The main activities undertaken throughout this project relate to the installation of a Cooling and Climate Control System. All the equipment installed uses environmentally friendly refrigirants thereby adhering to EU policy objectives on energy conservation. The activities include the installation of a Heating System, Cooling System, Steam System and Computer System.
Results & Benefits
The quality of the end product was improved resulting in the production of more healthier mushrooms. The mushroom cultivation process has become more efficient, using less natural resources through a reduction in electricity and water consumption. In fact, this Cooling and Climate Control system saved 15 litres of water per minute compared to the previous water-cooled system.
Lessons learnt
The main lesson learnt is that through technological investment in mushroom cultivation an enterprise can increase production, improve product quality and control environmental phenomena. Altogether, these factors add value to the final product, increase the competitiveness of the agricultural holding and conserve energy which is a precious environmental resource.
Project location and other information
Qormi, Malta
Region
Malta
RDP Territory
Malta
Total project cost (€)
306 870
EAFRD contribution (€)
112 500
National contribution (€)
37 500
Private contribution (€)
156 870
Contact name
Xerri Frank,director
Telephone
+356 214 47977 and +356 994 22504
Languages for contact
English, Maltese
At a glance
Country
Malta
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/04/2010
End Date:
31/10/2010
Theme / Measure:
• Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
• Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
• 121. Modernisation of agricultural holdings
Keywords:
Added-value, Food quality , Agricultural product quality, Innovation, Competitiveness
Last update
12/02/2012
