EMFAF 2023-2027: Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture Activities
EU co-financed support for aquaculture and human capital in Austria 2023–2027 with a focus on sustainability, climate protection, and innovation. Applications possible until 31.12.2028.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of sustainable aquaculture activities and the expansion of human capital in aquaculture as well as inland fisheries through investments, innovation, training & further education, networking, consulting, data, and monitoring.
Eligible expenses
- Investment costs for aquaculture facilities
- Material costs for environmental and climate protection measures
- Personnel and training costs
- Material costs for consulting and networking measures
- Costs for data collection and traceability
Non-eligible expenses
- Vehicles (except special superstructures)
- Land purchases
- License fees
- Taxes and duties
- Own contributions
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Business location in Austria
- Proof of qualifications: 5 years of experience or training in fisheries/aquaculture
- Proof of required permits (water law, nature conservation, building regulations)
- Membership in animal health service or proof of veterinary care (aquaculture)
Documents required for application
- Application form
- Project description
- Detailed cost breakdown
- Business management expert opinion (from €50,000)
- Fisheries expert opinion (from €350,000 investments)
- Approval certificates
- Qualification certificates
- Ö-Cert certificate
- Plausibility documentation
Evaluation criteria
- Sustainability aspects
- Climate protection measures
- Degree of innovation
- Economic efficiency
- Regional value creation
Description
The EU co-financed EMFAF initiative 2023–2027 supports sustainable aquaculture activities in Austria (measure type 4) and the development of human capital in aquaculture and inland fisheries (measure type 5). Eligible for funding are companies, start-ups, educational institutions, non-profit and public organizations with an operational site in one of the nine federal states. Investments in aquaculture and inland fisheries facilities, environmental and climate protection measures, energy efficiency, diversification and direct marketing, as well as innovations and technical modernization, are supported. Additionally, training and further education measures, networking, and consulting services can be funded. Requirements include, among others, proof of professional experience or relevant training in fisheries/aquaculture, membership in an animal health service, and submission of necessary permits. The funding rate ranges from 30% to 100% for investments, up to 100% for human capital measures, and up to 80% for innovations. The maximum funding per operation is €700,000, with a project duration of up to 36 months. Eligible expenses include investment and material costs for environmental and climate protection, personnel and training costs, as well as expenses for consulting, networking, data collection, and traceability. Vehicles, land purchases, license fees, taxes, in-kind contributions, as well as legal and tax advice are excluded.
Applications can be submitted continuously until 31.12.2028, with funding commitments and project start from 01.01.2021. Processing is carried out by the respective responsible regional offices and Agrarmarkt Austria, which make payments within a selection procedure based on nationwide criteria. Accompanying administrative controls, on-site inspections, and ex-post audits are conducted. All documents relevant to funding must be retained for ten years. Once approved, funding commitments are subject to compliance with publicity obligations. The special guideline contains all legal bases, funding requirements, and procedural regulations; additional information is available on the websites of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Water Management.
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