The Commission has adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme for Czechia, to implement the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies. This is the first programme the Commission adopts for the period 2021-2027.
The EU contribution for the Czech Programme for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2021-2027 accounts for €30 million, and with national funding its total financial allocation reaches €42.8 million for the new programming period. The Fund will support Czechia in promoting sustainable aquaculture and fish processing activities, the conservation of aquatic resources, and food security through the supply of fish products.
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “With the adoption of the Czech program, the EU kicks off the implementation of the new programming period for fisheries and aquaculture. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund supports innovative projects contributing to the sustainable management of aquatic resources. Through this programme, Czechia can build a resilient, and sustainable aquaculture and processing sector, that can help us decarbonise our economy.”
Support for competitive and innovative aquaculture
EMFAF will allow Czechia to build a resilient, sustainable and low-carbon aquaculture sector, in line with the EU Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030, as well as to boost the digital transition of the sector. The programme will help building a stronger aquaculture and fish processing sector, improve market organisation and increase profitability and sustainability of the entire market chain, while also contributing to enforcement obligations to ensure the improved traceability of fish products.
Innovation and traceability
About 21 innovation projects are to be realised in the period, allowing for the transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology to the aquaculture and processing sectors.
45% of the EMFAF allocation to Czechia will be dedicated to promote innovative investments and reduce the impacts of climate change while fostering environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
In the field of data collection, the main objective of the Programme is to ensure regular collection of aquaculture data, the introduction of a single electronic data collection tool and the development of a web portal. The traceability of aquaculture products will be also ensured.
Background
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) runs from 2021 to 2027 and has the overall goal of achieving sustainable fisheries and conserving marine biological resources. The fund supports the implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the EU maritime policy in the Member States.
Article 8 of the EMFAF Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1139) requires Member States to produce a national implementation programme. This operational programme focuses on EU priorities, laying down the strategy and investment priorities, including the indicative annual financial allocation for each priority. The programme is subject to approval by the Commission.
More information
Link to COM Aquaculture guidelines
Artigo publicado originalmente em Comissão Europeia.