EMFAF 2023-2027: Processing and Marketing
EU co-financed funding for investments in the processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products in Austria. Applications can be submitted continuously, approval until 31.12.2028.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of investments in resource efficiency, environmental relief, climate protection, hygiene, animal welfare, as well as innovations and marketing measures in the processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.
Eligible expenses
- Investment costs for equipment, machinery, buildings
- Costs for energy efficiency and transition to renewable energies
- Expenditures for hygiene and safety measures
- Development of new products and processes (innovation)
- Material and personnel expenses for marketing campaigns
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs for vehicle purchases
- Ongoing operating costs without investment character
- Project costs before application submission (except planning up to 6 months)
- Land and real estate purchases
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Business location in Austria
- Trade license or operating permit for fishery and aquaculture processing
- Proof of professional qualification (5 years of professional experience or equivalent training)
- Possession of all required water and environmental law permits
Documents required for application
- Application form
- Project description
- Detailed cost breakdown
- Bank guarantee (from €250,000 investment costs)
- Business management report (from €350,000 investment costs)
- Proof of professional qualification
- Trade or operating license
- Permits (water law, building law, environmental)
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content
- Sustainability aspects
- Economic efficiency
Description
The EU co-financed EMFAF program 2023–2027 supports investments to strengthen resource efficiency and competitiveness of processing and marketing companies in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors throughout Austria. Grants of up to 50% are provided, for example, for equipment, machinery, facilities, and buildings, as well as for measures aimed at energy efficiency and the transition to renewable energies. Hygiene standards, occupational safety, and animal welfare are key focuses, as are innovations in products, processes, technologies, and IT systems. Processing companies can also receive funding for investments in the processing of by-products and organic products to reduce waste volumes and develop new value chains. The funding is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and organic producers with a valid business license, company headquarters in Austria, and professional qualifications (at least five years of professional experience or equivalent training). The funding rate ranges from 30% to 50% of eligible investment costs, with a minimum investment of €10,000, and applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis. Approvals must be granted by 31 December 2028. The project duration is a maximum of 36 months, with a retention period of five years from the final payment.
Additionally, the program supports marketing measures with grants of up to 50%, such as communication campaigns, market development, establishment of producer organizations, and certifications. Information materials and campaigns must transparently present origin and sustainability criteria. Investment costs for special vehicle superstructures as well as material and personnel expenses are partially subsidized. Selection criteria such as innovation content, sustainability aspects, and economic viability determine the allocation; expert reports and bank guarantees are required above certain investment thresholds. Implementation is carried out in cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism and the respective regional authorities and Agrarmarkt Austria. Detailed application and accounting documents can be reviewed at the responsible regional offices.
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