#Japan #Tokyo #Supply Chain #Fisheries Agency #Processing Support

Overview of the Fisheries Processing Collaboration Support Project

The Fisheries Agency is calling for private enterprises to get involved in its Fisheries Processing Collaboration Support Project, which aims to enhance cooperation among stakeholders involved in the fisheries supply chain. This initiative seeks to tackle pressing issues such as raw material shortages, labor shortages, transportation capacity, and improving management capabilities in the processing and distribution sectors.

By facilitating collaboration between fishery producers, aquaculture operators, distributors, processors, financial institutions, local governments, research organizations, and private sector companies, this support project encourages comprehensive approaches to address these challenges. The application period for interested parties will continue until October 31, 2027, at 5 PM.

Key Points of the Project

The primary goal of the Fisheries Processing Collaboration Support Project is to build a robust supply chain involving production, processing, distribution, and sales. The project is open to groups composed of various stakeholders in the fisheries industry, including fishery operators, aquaculture producers, distributors, and processing businesses – or “processing operators.” These collaboration groups, formed with at least two members, will implement plans aimed at finding solutions to challenges in the fisheries sector, supported by financial aid for relevant expenditures.

Some potential action plans could include:
1. Utilizing alternative species: Shifting procurement to fish species that are currently abundant and developing new products from underutilized fish. This approach addresses raw material shortages resulting from changes in the marine environment while minimizing environmental impact.
2. Innovation through advanced technology: Employing cutting-edge technologies such as ICT and digital transformation (DX) to enhance productivity. This includes introducing energy-efficient equipment and expanding sales channels through e-commerce.
3. Streamlining of distribution processes: Implementing automation and new freshness preservation technologies to alleviate labor shortages and establish a sustainable supply chain.
4. Fostering sustainable practices: Initiatives designed to promote sustainable fisheries processing and distribution practices.

Support Categories and Eligibility

The project seeks to fund two main types of expenses:
1. Collaboration Council Assistance Expenditures: Covering expenses for building a collaborative framework among council members, as well as conducting studies and receiving specialized consulting for business planning and management guidance. The maximum grant available is 4 million yen.
2. Start-Up Support and Collaborative Network Costs: Financial aid for executing the initiatives based on the collaboration plan. These costs can include market research, promotional material creation, training sessions for skill acquisition, warehousing fees, development and prototype testing of new products, transportation costs, etc. The grant can cover up to 50% of these expenses.

Application Process

Interested parties are encouraged to follow the application guidelines available on the Fisheries Agency’s website. Prospective applicants must fill out the necessary forms and submit their applications as per the specified criteria outlined there.

For additional information or inquiries, contact:

• - Email: [email protected] (replace ★ with @)
• - Phone: 03-3254-7044 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
• - Address: Fisheries Agency Support Organization, Mukai, Hashimoto, 6th Floor Yoshimoto Building, 28-5 Kanda Higashimatsushita-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0042.

Deadline for Submissions

All applications must be submitted by October 31, 2027, at 5 PM. Join this vital initiative to strengthen the fisheries sector and ensure its sustainability for future generations.