Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR

An example of the use of EAFRD funding to enable the modernisation of a poultry farm in Malta leading to significant benefits, not only for the profitability of the agricultural holding, but also for the general environment.

The poultry sector in Malta has lately come under pressure from several production and market-oriented factors which have led to an increase in production costs and a resulting reduction in income levels for farmers. Cauchi Poultry Ltd. is a small family-run enterprise located in Buskett, on the outskirts of Rabat, which has invested significantly in the enterprise to counteract these pressures.

The project objectives are to: 1) Improve production techniques while minimising the negative environmental impacts by making the farm more energy efficient; 2) Enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise within the poultry sector; 3) Increase the economic viability of the enterprise; 4) Improve animal welfare, and; 5) Improve hygiene and occupational health and safety conditions and standards.

All the activities within this project revolve around the scope of modernising and upgrading production techniques and farming operations. The key project activities have included: i) installation of photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption; ii) erection of an area for pullet rearing, and; purchase of cages for chickens that go beyond the minimum animal welfare standards.

This investment has led to very satisfactory results not only for the entrepreneur and agricultural holding in question, but also for the environment. The carbon footprint of this poultry farm has been reduced substantially by approximately 20,150 kg of CO2 per year. Furthermore, this investment is generating approximately 22,900 KWH/year of renewable energy. Direct costs related to production have been reduced resulting in an improvement in the farms economic performance.

On-farm investments, particularly those which are environmentally-related prove to be highly beneficial in reducing the direct costs of production and safeguard the sustainability of our environment. It is advisable that more farm operators make their enterprises more sustainable, both economically as well as environmentally.

Buskett, limits of Rabat, Malta

Malta

Malta

285 775

107 166

35 722

142 888

Mr. Godwin Cauchi

postcards@enrd.eu

+356 214 51775

English, Maltese