Spain promotes stronger fisheries organisations through new funding

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has already launched the 2026 call for applications for grants totaling €200,000 to support the consolidation of professional organizations in the fisheries and aquaculture products sector.

This initiative is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and will provide individual grants of up to €100,000 under a competitive selection procedure. The EMFAF will co-finance up to 70% of the funding, while the remaining 30% will be provided through national contributions.

Precisely this year, a state-managed artisanal fishery producer organisation has been officially recognised, demonstrating how the sector is evolving and diversifying and opening the door to new, smaller-scale organisational structures.

This package of grants will also encourage smaller organisations to establish themselves on a solid footing, ensuring a stable foundation for their operations and enabling them to navigate the early years of their activity with greater confidence and stronger guarantees.

In July, the Ministry confirmed that the budget for the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) will increase to €4 billion, double the initial proposal. Spain will continue to defend that at least the current level of funding is maintained, exceeding €6 billion.

Furthermore, the first list of beneficiaries of the aid aimed at offsetting the increase in marine diesel prices was published, with more than €6.8 million allocated to 4,308 vessel owners.