Minister Luis Planas and representatives of the National Association of Manufacturers of Canned Fish and Seafood (Anfaco-Cecopesca)
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of Spain has confirmed that the fish canning industry will have access to European Next Generation funds for circular economy and digitization projects.
This will happen as soon as the European Commission authorizes the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) in the Agri-food sector assistance package.
The announcement was communicated by Minister Luis Planas during the meeting with representatives of the National Association of Manufacturers of Canned Fish and Seafood (Anfaco-Cecopesca) in Boiro (A Coruña).
During the gathering, future challenges and topic interests related to extractive fishing and fish canning were analyzed. Both are "key sectors to ensure the food security that we all want to maintain."
In addition, Planas has recalled the close collaboration between the Spanish Ministry and Anfaco-Cecopesca to promote "the presence of Spanish canned fish and seafood in domestic and international markets, through promotional activities highlighting the quality and nutritional properties of canned products."
"Canned fish represents perfect circularity and sustainability because it has a very low carbon footprint," he added.
Spain is the largest exporter in the European Union of canned and prepared fish and seafood and ranks among the top five countries in the world. Canned tuna is the main product produced and exported.
The canning industry has a prominent presence in female employment, representing over 66% of jobs in this sector. Several canning industries, dedicated to mussels, clams, cockles, and oysters, are located in the town of Boiro, where the meeting was held.
