Major investments in aquaculture and fish processing: over 29 million euro allocated through the PAP 2021–2027 Programme
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Directorate-General for Fisheries – the Managing Authority for the Operational Programme for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment (POPAM), has initiated a new…
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the General Directorate for Fisheries – the Managing Authority for the Operational Programme for Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Environment (POPAM), has launched a new call for proposals with a financial allocation of over 29 million euro. These funds are dedicated to investments in the aquaculture sector and in the processing of fishery products, under the Aquaculture and Fisheries Programme 2021–2027 (PAP).
The context and importance of funding for the fisheries sector
Aquaculture is a vital sector for Romania's rural and coastal economy, providing not only a source of food but also jobs and opportunities for sustainable development. The authorities have identified the modernisation of this sector and the encouragement of fishery product processing as priorities, in order to increase the competitiveness of Romanian products on the domestic and European markets.
The impressive budget allocation of over 29 million euro reflects the government's commitment to supporting the transformation of the sector through investments that lead to:
- Modernisation of fish-farming facilities, increasing efficiency and sustainability;
- Development of fishery product processing, to add value and diversify the range on offer;
- Increasing the added value of Romanian fishery products;
- Creating and maintaining jobs in economically disadvantaged areas;
- Improving the quality and competitiveness of Romanian products on domestic and foreign markets.
Who can access the funding and which projects are eligible?
The funding is intended for operators in the aquaculture sector, such as fish farms, as well as fish product processing units. It targets projects whose main aim is the technological upgrading and modernisation of equipment, the implementation of quality and hygiene control systems, the construction or rehabilitation of processing facilities, and the introduction of new technologies that optimise production.
The opening of the call window for funding applications gives entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to access non-refundable grants to turn their units into a profitable and competitive business, in line with European standards.
Essential steps for accessing the funds
Operators interested in accessing this funding need to follow a few fundamental steps:
- Analyse the eligibility criteria for the current call, available on the managing authority's website;
- Prepare the technical and financial documentation, including a clear investment plan and a justification of its impact;
- Register and submit the funding application during the open call windows, observing the deadlines;
- Monitor the evaluation process and respond to any additional requests from the evaluators;
- After the project is approved, manage the funds correctly and implement the investments in compliance with the requirements.
The expected impact of EU funds in aquaculture and processing
Through these investments, Romania aims to boost the productivity and sustainability of the aquaculture sector, meet market requirements for food quality and safety, and reduce dependence on imports. A high-performing aquaculture sector can contribute to higher exports, the development of rural areas and the protection of the environment through environmentally friendly technologies.
Moreover, modernising the processing of fish products makes it possible to make full use of the fisheries resource, reduce post-harvest losses and increase factory yields, thereby substantially raising the value of the final product.
In conclusion, the funding programme for aquaculture and the processing of fishery products offers operators in the field a concrete and well-structured opportunity to transform their businesses, increase added value and ensure long-term sustainable development.
Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?
The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.
