Aquaculture projects approved in latest SFF Round

8 May 2012

Four aquaculture projects have gained approval for funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF).

The results of the 2012/13 SFF round are being announced to applicants this week.

The aquaculture sector was invited to put forward SFF proposals for the first time, following the creation of a merged Ministry.

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 (with a total allocation of $7,388,432).

Also, 29 smaller projects targeted at feasibility projects for smaller sectors or regional groups will receive grant funding of under $25,000 (with a total allocation of $636,472).

Also, 3 existing projects will receive extension funding (with a total allocation of $76,087).

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 (such as development, extension, feasibility studies and capability building).

“The SFF is typically between three and four times oversubscribed, and this round was no exception.

“Competition is tough and the approved projects are very deserving of MPI’s support. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of their work.”

The approved aquaculture projects are:

• Blue Mussel Over-Settlement Project (Marine Farming Association Inc) – SFF grant funding $282,000;
• Oyster Industry Modernisation Project (Aquaculture New Zealand and New Zealand Oyster Industry Association) – SFF grant funding $407,000;
• Environmental Certification for New Zealand Aquaculture (Aquaculture New Zealand) – SFF grant funding $510,000;
• Kaitaia Spat Working Group Project (Marine Farming Association Inc) – SFF grant funding $25,000.

Details for Sectors

The 29 projects receiving grants of $25k or more over three years were allocated between the main sectors as follows:

• Aquaculture: 3 projects, total grant funding $1,199,000
• Arable: 4 projects, total grant funding $1,033,171
• Bees: 2 projects, total grant funding $442,970
• Dairy: 6 projects, total grant funding $1,490,625
• Deer, goats, pigs: 2 projects, total grant funding $185,000
• Forestry: 2 projects, total grant funding $520,000
• Horticulture: 3 projects, total grant funding $520,000
• Irrigation: 1 project, total grant funding $122,000
• Sheep and beef: 5 projects, total grant funding $1,297,101
• Viticulture: 1 project, total grant funding $578,565

The 29 projects receiving grants of $25k or less, plus the 3 extension projects, were allocated between the sectors as follows:

• Aquaculture: 1 project, total grant funding $25,000
• Arable: 3 projects, total grant funding $74,000
• Dairy: 6 projects, total grant funding $140,950
• Forestry: 6 projects, total grant funding $116,017
• Horticulture: 10 projects, total grant funding $220,007
• Other livestock: 3 projects, total grant funding $68,585
• Sheep and beef: 2 projects, total grant funding $43,000
• Viticulture: 1 project, total grant funding $25,000