[1] In 1977, an aid programme to improve the fish processing industries was introduced by the EU as a part of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).
[3] It is intended to indirectly assist the catching industry, as opposed to direct payments and market interventions, which have remained tasks of the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF).
Financing has covered improvements in such fields as fish filleting, salting, drying, smoking, cooking, freezing and canning.
Funding is available to assist modernisation of boats and installations, but also to buy-out fishermen to reduce the fleet size.
The EMFAF supports innovative projects that contribute to the sustainable exploitation and management of aquatic and maritime resources.