Spain aquaculture producers ask the government for help

Spain Aquaculture Business Association (APROMAR, in Spanish) urges the Spanish government "to act immediately to palliate the serious situation producers are suffering". The Russian invasion of Ukraine consequences adds to the worrying inflationary situation of recent months.

According to APROMAR, the invasion "is making a dramatic impact on Spanish aquaculture". Spain has a very diverse sector that produces more than a dozen different species through a variety of production systems.

Firstly, one of the most important issues is the rise of the vegetable raw materials price used to manufacture feed. It seems like, feed accounts for about 60% of total farmed fish costs.

In addition, there is a risk of some raw materials shortages . Among other causes, this is due to the "fierce competition between bioenergy and livestock uses to acquire the same raw materials from different markets".

Consequently, the most harmed industry will be organic aquaculture. Due to restrictive regulations, it cannot make use of many raw materials. For example, the genetically modified ones.

Particulary, the rise in the price of electricity and fuel, with increases of between 200% and 300% compared to last year, is causing a particular impact on indoor farms. Also, the price of liquid is oxygen rising. This is related too to the price of electricity and transportation costs.

Suggested measures

The current market disturbance "is a clear case" in which article 26 of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA) could be applied, APROMAR suggested. The aim would be to compensate operators in the aquaculture sector for lost revenue or additional costs.

Furthermore, the European Commission and the Member States can ensure the "proper functioning" of the Single Market. This will be the limitation of electricity prices or take advantage of new origins of raw materials for fish feed.

On the other hand, governments like the French, announced that they will reduce fuel prices by 15 euro cents per liter in April and it will remain in force until the 31st of July.