The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) programme succeeds the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG), which closed to new applications in 2007.
The EFF programme, like FIFG, will be targeted to assist with capital investment in the aquaculture, fishing and fish processing industries. The programme can also support strategic trade initiatives, fisheries dependent communities and Scottish Government and European Community policy initiatives for the sustainable development of fisheries.
Scotland has secured the lion's share of the UK's EFF allocation, approximately £12m for the Highlands and Islands and around £26m for the rest of Scotland. Following EU enlargement Scotland's EFF allocation is approximately 60% of the funding available under the predecessor programme, Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG).
Eligible applicants will include individuals, companies, trade and public bodies that have a direct interest in commercial fisheries.
Funding schemes will support sustainable development of:
· Fishing vessels,
· Aquaculture,
· Processing & marketing,
· Measures of common interest,
· Ports/harbours,
· Fisheries communities.
The current priorities for funding are:
· Innovation for example in the reduction of discards and improved selectivity in the catching sector or support diversification into new farmed or cultivated species or improvements in containment;
· Fuel and other efficiencies to contribute to a sustainable future for Scotland's catching, farmed and fish processing sectors; and
· Added value through the fisheries industry with a particular focus on fish processing.
EFF News
The Scottish Government will launch the consultation with Scottish stakeholders on the UK Operational Programme for EFF on 2nd May. This formal consultation will allow Scottish stakeholders to share their views on priorities for funding and delivery arrangements within Scotland. The fisheries grants team will arrange local workshops in selected key fisheries areas to give stakeholders the opportunity to discuss the EFF programme first hand and learn about eligibility criteria and the application process.
Consultation documentation can be found using the links below,
Consultation letter
UK Operational Programme
Consultation list
In parallel with the formal consultation, the Scottish Government will engage with stakeholders and potential applicants on the arrangements to manage the transition to the new funding programme. This will help facilitate the fisheries sector's take-up of the opportunities provided by the new programme, as soon as reasonably practicable, following Commission approval. Subject to the outcome of Commission scrutiny, approval of the Operational Programme is expected in the summer of 2008, with first awards under the EFF programme later in the year.
Expressions of interest in applying for EFF grants are also sought by the Scottish Government. Anyone thinking of applying for EFF grant should set out:
· Outline of project,
· Estimated cost(s),
· Project timescale(s),
· Provisional timetable for draw-down of grant,
· Note of potential other public sector sources of funding.
This information should be emailed to the EFF.ScottishGovernment@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or posted to,
EFF Expression of Interest
Room 420
Pentland House
47 Robb's Loan
Edinburgh
EH14 1TY
FIFG News
FIFG beneficiaries yet to receive final awards are reminded that the closing date for receipt of claims is 30th June 2008. For further information please contact the fisheries grants team on 0131 244 6064.