site.btaState Fund Agriculture Disburses Over BGN 1.6 Mln under Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme 2021–2027

The State Fund Agriculture (SFA) has disbursed BGN 1,687,835 under four measures of the Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (MAFAP) 2021–2027 in support of the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the Fund said on Friday.

Under a measure on processing of fisheries and aquaculture products, a beneficiary received BGN 1,237,786 for the reconstruction and expansion of an existing facility. The funding aims to enhance and diversify production, including the development of innovative fish products with high added value and the use of raw materials from own aquaculture farms.

Under a measure on permanent cessation of fishing activities, a total of BGN 425,045 was paid to four beneficiaries. The funds are intended for the permanent decommissioning of fishing vessels in order to reduce fishing pressure on marine ecosystems.

The Municipality of Brezovo received BGN 10,636 under a measure on capacity building and preparatory actions. The funding will support the development and future implementation of community-led local development strategies in coastal and inland fisheries areas, as well as along the Danube River.

The Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture was granted BGN 14,368 under a measure on control and enforcement to enhance the qualifications of its control staff through exchange of experience.

The SFA continues to support the sustainable management and development of the fisheries sector by promoting economic viability, environmental protection, and social inclusion in the affected communities, the statement added.

During a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Food and Forestry earlier this month, Deputy Agriculture Minister Stefan Burdzhev announced that nine additional calls for project proposals under MAFAP 2021–2027 will be launched by the end of the year, with a total budget of over BGN 50 million.