The Gozo Action Group Foundation under the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs recently launched a call under the Leader Programme for Measure 410 – Action 413.3 of the Rural Development Programme for Malta (2007-2013).

The scope of this Measure 413 – Action 413.3 – Craft Sector Support is to provide assistance to the craft sector in Gozo.

Support shall be applicable to actions that encourage the improvement of crafts in Gozo, making the region more attractive. Thanks to the action, localities and surrounding areas will be enhanced through these kinds of initiatives, which in return shall create an increased awareness of local rural resources and the need for their conservation, for future generations and for an improvement in the quality of life for all. Thus this action will generate further tourism demand in Gozo, especially in shoulder months by providing adequate promotion to initiatives that will serve as an attraction to Gozo.

The craft sector is vulnerable to competition from imported products. Production of local crafts requires specific skills and due to the nature of the sector it is often not efficient. This action seeks to improve the competitiveness of this sector through funding initiatives such as innovation production ideas, training in human’s skills, and marketing.

Applicants must demonstrate how the proposed project will improve the quality of their products and/ or reduce costs of production and/or enhance marketing efforts and training as well as if it will have a positive impact on rurality as it will enhance the rural characteristics of Gozo.

The eligible applicants for this particular call for funding under Measure 410 – Action 413.3 consist of individual craft makers / groups / businesses recommended by a craft body, organisations and associations which must be registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

The total budget allocation under this call is capped at € 80, 000, out of which 80% will be financed through public funds, whereas the 20% has to be financed by the applicant.

The Gozo Action Group Foundation are now accepting applications under this Measure, with the deadline for submission of applications, Friday, the 17th of February 2012 at noon.

Applications have a fee of €50 and can be obtained from the foundation’s office situated at ‘2’ ‘Il-Mall’ Triq Gorgio Borg Olivier Street, Victoria Gozo.

Contact details are as follows: Gozo Local Action Group – Telephone: 21566216 – E-mail: manager@leadergozo.eu Katya Scicluna, Manager, Gozo Action Group Foundation.

Full details of Measure 413.3, are available for download here.

Permalink: Leader Programme – Support assistance to Gozo craft sector