Czech fisheries sector to receive €30 million in EU funding

The European Commission (EU) has adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme for the Czech Republic with a contribution of €30 million (US$31.5 million) covering the 2021-2027 time frame.

The EU contribution combined with national funding yields a total financial allocation of €42.8 million (US$45 million) for the new programming period. The fund will support the Czech Republic in promoting sustainable aquaculture and fish processing activities, the conservation of aquatic resources, and food security through the supply of fish products.

The EC said the EMFAF will allow the Czech Republic to build a resilient, sustainable, and low-carbon aquaculture sector in line with EU Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030, as well as to boost the digital transition of the sector. The programme will also help improve market organisation and increase profitability and sustainability of the entire market chain, while also contributing to enforcement obligations to ensure the improved traceability of fish products.

About 21 innovation projects are to be realised in the period, allowing for the transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology to the aquaculture and processing sectors.

In the field of data collection, the main objective of the programme is to ensure regular collection of aquaculture data, the introduction of a single electronic data collection tool, and the development of a web portal. The traceability of aquaculture products will be also ensured.