Aquaculture and Fisheries (Directive AuF/2023)
The Free State of Saxony supports the Saxon fisheries sector with grants for investments and measures in aquaculture and fisheries to strengthen economic, social, and ecological sustainability as well as adaptation to climate change. Applications can be submitted via the SAB funding portal.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The Free State of Saxony promotes investments and measures with funds from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFAF) to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Saxon fisheries sector as well as to adapt to climate change.
Eligible expenses
- Investments in facilities, equipment, and energy efficiency measures
- Consulting, development, and marketing services
- Measures to improve social and ecological sustainability
- Marketing and processing measures for fishery and aquaculture products
- Measures for the sustainable development of aquaculture communities
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Cooperatives
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Investment location: Saxony
- Minimum investment volume: EUR 2,000
- Project must not have been initiated before application submission
- Professional competence and profitability must be demonstrated
- No significant changes to the project within the first five years after final payment
Documents required for application
- Project description and justification
- Detailed investment breakdown with cost estimates
- Proof of financing for expenses from EUR 200,000
- Articles of association/statutes
- Current register excerpt or business registration
- Copy of identity card
- Business plan for newcomers from EUR 200,000
- Construction plans or building documents and land register excerpt or lease/rental agreement
- Required licenses/permits
- Risk assessment for intensive aquaculture facilities from EUR 200,000
- Environmental impact analysis
- Positive resolution of the FLAG
- Report from the Saxon Animal Disease Fund and remediation concept
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Sustainability aspects
- Collective interest and collective beneficiaries
Description
The funding guideline Aquaculture and Fisheries (RL AuF/2023) of the Free State of Saxony focuses on a sustainable expansion of the regional fishery sector. With funds from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), investments in aquaculture enterprises and fisheries are supported that pursue ecological, social, and economic sustainability objectives. Among others, measures to increase energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy systems for self-supply, as well as projects to improve animal welfare and animal health are funded. Cross-sectoral development and advisory services as well as initiatives for the marketing and processing of regional fishery and aquaculture products are also part of the portfolio. A particular priority is given to adapting enterprises to climate change and strengthening competitiveness in rural areas.
Eligible to apply are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the aquaculture and fisheries sector, associations and professional organizations, processing and marketing companies, public and private research institutions, municipalities, as well as natural and legal persons. The minimum investment volume is €2,000, the maximum grant amounts to €500,000 with funding rates ranging from 50% to 100%, depending on the level of innovation, sustainability aspects, and collective beneficiaries. Funding applications can be submitted from January 8, 2025, until December 19, 2025, via the funding portal of the Saxon Development Bank – Förderbank – (SAB). Prerequisites for approval include professional competence, proof of profitability, and assurance that the project will not be substantially altered within the first five years after the completion of funding.