New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) has approved funding for four aquaculture projects.
This is the first time the aquaculture sector was invited to put forward SFF proposals, following the creation of a merged Ministry.
Marine Farming Association Inc’s Blue Mussel Over-Settlement Project will receive $282,000 funding; Aquaculture New Zealand and New Zealand Oyster Industry Association’s Oyster Industry Modernisation Project will receive $407,000; Aquaculture New Zealand’s Environmental Certification for New Zealand Aquaculture will get $510,000; and Marine Farming Association Inc’s Kaitaia Spat Working Group Project will be awarded $25,000.
MPI has approved a total of 61 projects for funding, with a total allocation of just over $8 million over three years.
Of the new projects, 29 projects will receive grant funding of over $25,000 for up to 3 years, and 29 smaller projects targeted at feasibility projects for smaller sectors or regional groups will receive grant funding of under $25,000.
Kathy Mansell, MPI director of growth and innovation, says the portfolio of approved projects provides a balance of funding across the primary sectors, regions of New Zealand and types of activities.
