EMFAF 2023-2027: Promotion of Sustainable Development of Fisheries
EU co-financed funding for the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Austria. Investments in inland fisheries, aquaculture, processing, marketing, data collection, training, and advisory services are supported. Applications accepted until 31.12.2028.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Austria through investments in fishing vessels and fishing gear, hygiene measures, climate protection and environmental investments, diversification and direct marketing, innovation in cooperation with research institutions, as well as support for processing, marketing, data collection, and professional education.
Eligible expenses
- Investment costs
- Material costs
- Personnel expenses
- Consulting costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Leasing fees
- Land purchases
- Vehicles (except special conversions)
- Costs incurred before application submission
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Establishment in Austria
- Professional experience in fisheries or equivalent training (master craftsman/skilled worker)
- Proof of necessary permits (water, nature conservation, building law, etc.)
- Minimum investment amount of €4,000 per project
- Compliance with publicity requirements
Documents required for application
- Project description
- detailed project cost breakdown
- business plan
- excerpt from the commercial register
- articles of association/business license/concession
- proof of qualifications
- approval documents
- expert report
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content
- Sustainability aspects
- Economic efficiency
- Relevance for the target group
Description
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) supports the sustainable development of the Austrian fisheries and aquaculture sector. Funding is provided for investments in inland fisheries and aquaculture, hygiene measures, environmental and climate protection investments, as well as innovations in cooperation with research institutions. The diversification of offerings and direct marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products are also key focuses. Additional priorities include support for processing and quality assurance, as well as the establishment of data collection and professional training and further education. Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2028 – projects may last up to 36 months and must be based in Austria.
Eligible applicants include natural and legal persons, partnerships and their associations, as well as educational institutions, data collectors, and consultants. A prerequisite is relevant professional experience or technical qualification in fisheries or aquaculture, as well as proof of all required permits (water, nature conservation, building regulations, etc.). The minimum investment amount is €4,000; funding rates vary depending on the measure from 30% to 80%, with a maximum of €75,000 per enterprise and funding period. Eligible costs include investment costs, material and personnel expenses, as well as consulting fees. Projects are evaluated based on their degree of innovation, sustainability aspects, economic viability, and relevance to target groups. Implementation is carried out by Agrarmarkt Austria and the regional funding agencies, which also handle payment and monitoring.