Merill Rural Network

Making EU funding available is one thing. Making it accessible is another. 🇪🇺

We were delighted to be invited to “How does EU funding work for my business in Tourism?” to share Merill Rural Network’s journey as a best-practice example!

Over the years, we have made use of different funding opportunities to develop our network and support our mission. It hasn’t always been straightforward, and that’s exactly what we wanted to share: our story, the opportunities we found, the challenges we faced and the lessons we learnt along the way.

We’re also pleased that Merill’s experience will be featured in the upcoming EU funding toolkit for tourism businesses! ⚙️

One message particularly resonated with us: funding should respond to the real needs of businesses and communities, not the other way around. 💙

For small rural tourism operators, accessing funding can still be a challenge. We hope the future brings simpler processes, more inclusive opportunities and greater recognition of the important role these businesses play in their local communities.

Because making funding accessible means giving more people the opportunity to turn good ideas into positive change. 🌱

Silvia Gilberti

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https://www.seedprojects.eu/post/making-eu-funding-more-accessible-merill-rural-network-shares-its-experience

🐝 Speaking at the EcoHoney conference!
We will never insist enough that collaboration is key to preserving our Maltese environment and skills.

A big thank you to all participants for sharing such diverse and enriching insights on green and digital technologies in agriculture.

Your honest reflections on the climate, social, and economic realities farmers face (each in different ways!) are unique and will directly strengthen the GreenFit Project .

As always, it was great to come together, exchange perspectives, and build momentum for practical solutions. Let’s keep the collaboration going! 🌱🤝

Merill Rural Network
and

Some very useful information about Malta's role and relevence in the GreenFit Project! 👇

Find out more: https://www.maya.org.mt/greenfit

📍Inside GreenFit’s Pilot Regions: Spotlight on Malta!

Malta’s rich rural landscape is deeply rooted in farming, craftsmanship, and culinary heritage, creating a strong foundation for sustainable agricultural growth. With the contribution of Merill Rural Network and Malta Youth in Agriculture, we engage farmers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and production systems, from traditional practices to innovative, sustainable approaches.

🌱What’s Happening in Malta’s Farms?

Malta’s farms are mostly very small, with low economies of scale, making it difficult for farmers to invest in modern equipment or digital tools. An ageing, largely part-time farming community, combined with low digital literacy and limited awareness of available technologies, further slows adoption. Fragmented policies, limited local research and practical demonstrations, and restricted access to suppliers and after-sales support compound these difficulties.

To support farmers facing these challenges, GreenFit focuses on awareness-raising, skills development, practical demonstrations, and policy dialogue, driving the adoption of climate-smart, sustainable solutions in Malta.

📲Stay tuned to discover how GreenFit is fostering digital innovation and sustainable growth across Malta’s agricultural landscape!

ℹ️Find more: https://www.greenfit-project.eu/pilot-countries/