Written answers
Thursday, 26 September 2024
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Aquaculture Industry
Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given for an emergency financial support package to assist the Irish aquaculture operators affected by significant production losses, coupled with increased input costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38105/24]
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The €258m European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027, co-funded by the Irish government and the EU, is the primary funding package for the seafood sector, including aquaculture. EMFAF is managed by my Department.
In July I announced the opening of a new scheme under our EMFAF Operational Programme to support capital investment in aquaculture - the Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme. This scheme provides grant-aid to eligible aquaculture operators, with support rates of up to 50% for a number of project types, including:
- productive investments for sustainable aquaculture
- development of product innovation (including Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture, seaweeds and new species),
- investment in reduction of energy use and energy efficiency,
- investment in renewable energy systems,
- investments in safety equipment,
- investment in animal health and welfare and food quality and hygiene safety.
BIM also provides a range of other supports and advisory services to aquaculture producers. In addition aquaculture producers also have access to finance under schemes implemented by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI).
Under the EMFAF Regulation, Member States may only use EMFAF funding to provide aid in respect of increased costs or production losses in exceptional and limited circumstances, and only where the Commission has made an implementing decision under Article 26(2). Currently there is no implementing decision in place that would allow any such aid to be provided under the EMFAF.
I continue to be aware of the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry due to rising costs and other challenges. Preparatory work to progress the implementation of The National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development has begun.
The implementation of this Strategy will provide a framework for engagement with the sector and an opportunity to identify and put in place measures to support the sustainable and continued development of this important sector over the coming years.
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