Joseph Deguara, a Maltese farmer with significant experience, whose fields are located in the limits of Imgarr, identified the need to invest in greenhouses to increase both his production and the quality of his harvest. After consultations with the Rural Development Department, Mr Deguara applied for financial aid under the Investment in Agricultural Holdings measure. The main objective of this measure was to strengthen the competitive basis of farmers by reducing production costs, modernising production methods, improving output quality, promoting diversification and protecting the environment. This measure allows for a maximum grant of Lm 50,000/ € 116,468 where the applicant has to co-finance 50% of the project.

Mr Deguara started by identifying all the requirements in order to include all the relative expenses in the application form. In order to protect his produce from a lack of water, Mr. Deguara decided to include the construction of an underground reservoir in his project.  The reservoir would capture and store rainwater which would be used to irrigate his produce. This construction work would also be done in conjunction with the foundations necessary for the four greenhouses and roofing of his agricultural stores. Once his project was selected and the contract signed, Mr. Deguara initiated the project.

This successful project is now finalised and has allowed Mr. Deguara to improve both the production and the quality of his pre-seasonal harvest.