Invitation for Private Sector Participation in Fisheries Processing Support Plan

The Fisheries Agency, through the Fisheries Product Stability Supply Promotion Organization, has announced the commencement of applications for the Fisheries Processing Collaboration Support Plan. This initiative aims to tackle critical issues faced by the fisheries processing and distribution sectors, such as shortages of raw materials, labor, and transport capabilities.

Overview of the Support Plan

The Fisheries Processing Collaboration Support Plan is designed to provide comprehensive assistance to entities engaged in the production, processing, distribution, and sale within the fisheries supply chain. Eligible participants include fishermen, aquaculturists, distributors, processors, and their respective associations (referred to henceforth as processing entities).

These processing entities can form collaborative councils with at least two other participants, including other fisheries processing companies, financial institutions, local governments, research institutions, and private sector businesses to address specific project challenges. The funding supports necessary expenses incurred in executing plans for the cooperative councils.

Focus Areas for the Funding

1. Resource Utilization: Facilitating the transition to utilizing fish species that are in good condition for resources and developing new products from underutilized fish. This approach aims to combat raw material shortages due to changes in marine environments while promoting the procurement of eco-friendly raw materials.

2. Technological Innovation: Enhancing productivity through innovations driven by advanced technologies such as ICT and digital transformation. This includes the introduction of energy-efficient equipment, high-quality product development, and exploring sales channels via e-commerce.

3. Addressing Labor Shortages: Improving distribution efficiency through digitization, introducing new freshness preservation technologies, automating processes, and nurturing core fisheries processing businesses to create a sustainable supply system.

4. Sustainability Initiatives: Additional projects aimed at achieving a sustainable fisheries processing and distribution industry.

Eligible Costs

1. Collaborative Council Expenses

Expenses necessary for establishing a collaborative structure and researching business plan content as per the collaborative plan of the council. This includes fees for expert consultations in operational guidance (Assistance limit: 4 million yen).

2. Processing and Distribution Collaborative Plan Start-Up Support Expenses

Necessary costs to execute measures based on the collaborative plan, such as market research, promotional material creation, training, storage expenses, raw material costs for product development, transportation costs, etc. (Assistance rate: up to 50%).

Application Process

Interested parties should refer to the recruitment guidelines available on the official website of the Fisheries Product Stability Supply Promotion Organization (https://www.fishfund.or.jp/jigyou14.html) and fill out the required forms accordingly.

Deadline for Submission

The deadline for submission of applications is June 20, 2025, at 5 PM.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact:
Mukai or Hashimoto at the Fisheries Product Stability Supply Promotion Organization
Address: 6th Floor Yoshiimoto Building, 28-5 Kanda Higashimatsushita-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0042, Japan
Phone: 03-3254-7044
Email: m-project★fishfund.or.jp (replace ★ with @)

This initiative represents a significant opportunity for private sector participants to join forces in enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the fisheries processing industry.