Sicily: new call for 40 million for the diversification of agricultural enterprises

A budget of forty million euros to encourage the diversification of Sicilian farms' activities and to foster economic growth and sustainable development in rural areas in Sicily, combating the depopulation of these areas. The resources are made available by the call for tenders for the specific measure dedicated to the diversification of agricultural activities under the Sicilian Region's Rural Development Plan (Srd03 of the SPP 2023-27) published by the Regional Department of Agriculture of the Region.

It is specifically aimed at the creation and development of agritourism, social agriculture, and educational and didactic activities. The call for tenders provides for aid equal to 60 per cent of the investment for small enterprises, 50 per cent for medium-sized enterprises, and 40 per cent for large enterprises. "The Schifani government is on the side of entrepreneurs. It is providing concrete help to encourage business diversification and promote the creation of agritourism and social and educational activities in rural areas," emphasises the councillor for agriculture, Luca Sammartino.

Contributions are granted for investments to set up a new agri-tourism business, to expand an existing one, or to diversify the offer. The beneficiaries of the measure are individual or associated agricultural entrepreneurs, with the exclusion of those who carry out exclusively silviculture and aquaculture activities. Applications can be sent, exclusively through the Sian portal, from 5 November to 5 February. The call is aimed at individual or associated agricultural entrepreneurs, with the exclusion of those who carry out exclusively silviculture and aquaculture activities.