Merill Rural Network

22/10/2026

Today, we remember Maudie: a mother, grandmother and craftswoman who helped keep her family’s weaving tradition alive across seven generations. 🪡🤍

Alongside her husband, Maudie taught her son, Antoine Vella (Antoine tan-Newl), to weave from the age of eight.

She passed on much more than the skill of working a loom, teaching him the whole traditional process, from preparing the threads and working on a loom to creating finished textiles.

As one of Merill Rural Network’s longest-standing artisan members, Antoine continues to share what he learnt with students, visitors and fellow artisans. His grandson Jean Paul is now learning the craft too, keeping this family tradition alive for another generation.

Through Maudie’s work, we’re reminded that traditional crafts live on because people take the time to pass their knowledge on to others.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Antoine and his family. We remember Maudie with warmth and appreciation. 🤍

22/10/2026

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

10/10/2026

We're proud to share that Merill Rural Network has been recognised as a best-practice example in accessing EU funding for tourism SMEs! 🌱

Invited by KPMG Spain, as part of a European Commission initiative, is representing Merill in Seville, sharing our journey, experiences and lessons learned at a European conference dedicated to making EU funding more accessible to tourism businesses.

🎤 Through her presentation, Silvia is showcasing Merill's experience alongside other European tourism organisations, exchanging ideas and inspiring others to explore EU funding opportunities.

💚 A fantastic opportunity to put Merill and Malta's rural tourism ecosystem on the European stage!
Proud to share our story, learn from others and build new connections! 🇲🇹🇪🇺

28/08/2026

26/06/2026

Good care equals quality products! Cheese-making is not just gastronomy, it's an art. Chef and master cheesemaker Tony introduces Ta' Żeppi Sheep Farm, a Merill member featured by GuideMeMalta.com 🧀🐑

20/04/2026

A breakthrough day for Maltese craftsmanship! 🏺

​It’s fantastic to see Malta proactively engaging with the new EU Geographical Indications for Crafts and Industrial Products at the same time as our European neighbors. 🇪🇺 This isn't just a policy update; it's a major boost for heritage preservation and artisan value ✨️
​Merill is excited to see how this platform will help our local artisans gain the protection and recognition they deserve. We’re looking forward to the journey ahead!
​Thanks to for coming all the way to Malta, and for organising this meaningful exchange at Hotel Excelsior.

14/04/2026

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

03/03/2026

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

10/02/2026

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/

04/01/2026

Episodju ieħor ta' The Local Traveller Clare Agius... din id-darba għand Ta' Żeppi! 🐑 🧀

Titilfuħx. Illejla fuq ONE.com.mt fis-7.10pm 😉