In this Twinning Project there are seven components with various activities. After each activity is completed reports are uploaded on this website.
Component 1
Implement any changes to the organisational structure of the Paying Agency or any of its delegated services, and their procedures and manuals, required for compliance with Reformed CAP, including those elements of cross-compliance still to be implemented.
In addition, provide assistance to Maltese officials in the initial phases of implementing the new schemes.
Activity 1.1 – Further development of the Organisation Chart and definition of responsibilities
Benchmarks: An efficient Organisation Structure to implement the CAP reform.
Activity 1.2 – Drafting of protocols
Benchmarks: Establishment of agreements with all entities involved in the implementation of the reform.
Activity 1.3 – Drafting and updating of Manuals of Procedures
Benchmarks: Procedures and method of operations clearly defined.
Activity 1.4 – Elaboration of the general instructions for the implementation of SPS: the procedures, the time schedule etc., for its first and subsequent years.
Benchmarks: Time frames defined.
Activity 1.5 – Assistance to define the technical specifications for the equipment required for on- the-spot controls
Benchmarks: Recommendations based on feasibility studies.
Activity 1.6 – Explanation and implementation of the single application template
Benchmarks: A comprehensive single application template in place.
Activity 1.7 – Assisting Maltese officials in the implementation of the remaining directives of Cross Compliance
Benchmarks: Controls defined and procedures for calculating sanctions.
Activity 1.8 – Assistance for the updating of the LPIS, the creation and updating of the Entitlements register and the National reserve database
Benchmarks: System to allow the allocation and traceability of payment entitlements.
Activity 1.9 – Assistance and supervision for the implementation during the first year
Benchmarks: Controls, methods and procedures verified according to EU standards.
Activity 1.10 – Assistance for the calculation of aid including the sanctions and reductions for the SPS Authorisation process
Benchmarks: Procedures for authorisation of payments established.
Component 2
Enhance the existing IACS and, where necessary, Paying Agency software in order to implement CAP reform effectively, including cross compliance.
Activity 2.1 – Developing in detail and preparing the draft IT software tender
Benchmarks: Tender dossier drafted.
Activity 2.2 – Assistance in defining what needs to be enhanced in the software, and assistance in monitoring such implementation
Benchmarks: Software requirements defined and tested.
Activity 2.3 – Assistance to prepare and establish the technical programme and the technical specifications for CWRS
Benchmarks: Programme to determine CWRS technical specifications.
Activity 2.4 – Devising a strategy for the system’s maintenance
Benchmarks: Programme for the maintenance of the IACS and Paying Agency systems.
Component 3
Provide support for all check-phases of execution and accounting for payments financed by the EAGF and EAFRD with special emphasis on the single farm payment, particularly through the training of relevant Maltese officials.
Activity 3.1 – Assistance for the accounting of payments, execution of payments and data reporting to the Commission. Assistance for creating a budgetary control system for the national ceiling
Benchmarks: Mechanism to avoid overshooting of budgetary ceilings and a comprehensive list of communications to be sent to the Commission.
Component 4
Deliver training to Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment (MRAE) staff on the application of the CAP reform in Malta, including those parts of cross compliance not yet implemented.
Training will be divided into three components. There will be (a) a one-day seminar for all MRAE staff and staff from other Ministries that deal with CAP reform (b) an intensive training course on CAP reform to the Paying Agency and its Delegated Services, and Ministry for Gozo (MOG) staff and (c) a Study Visit to Italy and the UK.
Activity 4.1 – Preparation of training material for all training modules
Benchmarks: Training programme based on a thorough training needs analysis.
Activity 4.2 – Intensive training to the MRAE and the Ministry for Gozo staff members to manage the implementation of CAP reform and cross compliance
Benchmarks: Stakeholders fully aware of the new payment system.
Activity 4.3 – Study visit to Italy and UK for staff members, who will be directly involved in the implementation of the CAP reform
Benchmarks: Experiences from Member States shared with staff involved in the implementation of the CAP Reform.
Component 5
Devise information campaigns for CAP beneficiaries regarding the application of new requirements for the aid schemes, their eligibility and obligations in compliance with the CAP reform
Activity 5.1 – Assistance to prepare protocols and contracts for the implementation of information activities
Benchmarks: Potential stakeholders identified and collaboration agreed upon. Tender dossier drafted.
Activity 5.2 – Preparing and implementing a stakeholder awareness research campaign
Benchmarks: Awareness campaign to farmers tailored for the local scenario.
Component 6:
Draft the necessary legislation
Activity 6.1 – Assistance in the drafting of necessary legislation
Benchmarks: Legislation drafted or amended accordingly.
Component 7:
Tasks not directly linked to one component
Activity 7.1 – Project start up and visibility
Activity 7.2 – Co-ordination of Project and experts
Activity 7.3 – Project Wrap up