The Members
To become part of the Merill Rural Network, one needs to grasp the significance of teamwork and trust. Over time, members recognise the myriad long-term benefits of these values, including opportunities for shared growth, knowledge exchange, and the cultivation of enduring relationships within our vibrant community.
We are often asked what it takes to be part of the network. Since Merill focuses on building bridges between like-minded people, through the years we established a number of unbreakable principles that we look for when considering new membership – we call these ‘the four premises of alignment’. These are based on the needs of the rural communities and the opportunities (but also challenges) presented in the Maltese Islands.
Operate a functioning and bona fide farm or workshop
The 4 Premises of Alignment
Promote 100% local (whenever possible)
Be committed to provide added-value to your products and services
Show propensity to long-term collaboration
How it Works:
First and foremost we expect authenticity.
Our members are encouraged to dedicate their efforts to their primary agricultural or artisanal pursuits. We understand that asking you to become a proficient rural host overnight would detract from the time you should be investing in producing high-quality products. This could potentially present an inauthentic image of the Maltese rural community to visitors. Instead, we opt to furnish you with the necessary resources and a structured platform to diversify part of your services into rural tourism services.
Developing your own brand.
Merill actively fosters the growth of our members' individual brands. We believe in the uniqueness of each member and are committed to enhancing the value of your services and products by effectively targeting the right market.
We then connect you with the right target market.
Through our partnerships, we facilitate the connection between our members with consumers and potential visitors. Our collaboration with Malta Rural Tours, a fully-licensed tour operator, empowers you to attract high-quality tourism and offer exclusive experiences at your venue.
Show genuine commitment to mutual collaboration
At Merill, collaboration is not just a buzzword, it’s a foundational value that defines our entire approach. Being part of the Merill Rural Network means entering a reciprocal partnership, not simply plugging into a system to reap its benefits. We are a social enterprise, not a charity, and so we seek members who are willing to invest time, trust, and mutual effort. While we support you in elevating your brand, diversifying your services, and reaching new audiences, we also expect a proactive commitment to co-create and share in the long-term success of the network. This collective model is what allows us to generate meaningful impact; not just for individual members, but for Malta’s rural communities as a whole.