Anfaco and Conxemar stand united against a shared hurdle. What yesterday’s joint statement described as a milestone signals more than a gesture of solidarity. The two associations argue it is time to combine efforts for a broader impact. As Faro de Vigo noted in its July issue, the marine sector — including fish and shellfish processors, canneries, and purification plants — faces a gap in support from government-backed Agri-food PERTE initiatives and the Next Generation funds.
A regulatory framework within the internal market that determines aid eligibility but excludes the fishing and aquaculture sector is seen as a fault with consequences for employers. They are negotiating to secure an exemption so their investments can proceed rather than stall. They point to planned investments in digitization, energy efficiency, reduced environmental footprint, and general factory upgrades that could be blocked otherwise. PERTE financing, when absent, reshapes investment plans in scope and effectiveness. u201cPERTE has a stimulating effect, and without it, investment strategies shift, impacting outcomes,u201d commented Roberto C. Alonso, Anfacou2019s general secretary, with support from Eloy García, Conxemaru2019s president. Investments across the industry cannot be ignored; the situation is difficult to understand without action.u201d
Industry representatives had been aware of the issue for weeks. Anfaco had already engaged with the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. They confirmed that maritime-industrial companies would not be eligible for new investment aid, unless the support pertained to research and development programs already covered by other schemes.
The tipping point came with the publication on Monday, August 1, of the Agrifood PERTE regulatory bases in the BOE, announcing a 500 million euro budget for aid delivery. The assessment stated clearly that the Spanish maritime industry would not qualify for the investment program. Anfaco and Conxemar criticized the move and called for reconsideration.
The industry body for canners and the processing and frozen-food sector argued a legal fix is necessary to address this exclusion, since it effectively removes them from a key program aimed at transforming and strengthening the Spanish economy.
Industry officials confirmed that the root cause lies in Commission Regulation 651/2014 (EU) of 17 June 2014, which governs aid compatibility within the internal market and excludes fisheries and aquaculture. Yesterday the two associations hinted at seeking an exemption. Anfaco and Conxemar expressed full willingness to cooperate with the Spanish administration to request European exemption that would allow harmonized aid and timely calls to the maritime-industrial sector before the end of 2022, summarized officials.
Alonso and García have led their organizations for a number of weeks, taking over from previous leaders such as Juan Vieites and José Luis Freire. They described the situation as very serious, recognizing that the move logically risks paralyzing investments. Conxemaru2019s president noted that partners have been calling with reports of ongoing, important projects. He added that no one could have anticipated such a clamp, while the Anfaco general secretary echoed the warning that investment approaches are changing and may be delayed or stalled over time.
Across the sector, the PERTE for Agrifood has sparked a mix of excitement and concern. The program was unveiled with expectations of substantial public support, including an initial budget of 1,000 million euros by 2023 and an additional 800 million euros. For now, the maritime industry has not seen any disbursed funds, leaving many projects in limbo while policymakers debate access and eligibility.