On September 15, 2023, as part of the project “Improving the Regulatory Environment in the Aquaculture Sector” of the USAID AGRO program, on the initiative of the State Fisheries Agency and BRDO, an online round table “Dialogue with BRDO: between the state and business” was held, in which the problems of modern aquaculture were discussed.
More than 30 participants of representatives of the business and scientific sphere joined the survey on market issues and dialogue within the framework of the round table, in particular: BU “Methodical and Technological Center for Aquaculture”, LLC “Zabirya”, PJSC “Khmelnytskrybhosp”, LLC “VISMAR AQUA” , LLC “AKVA”, LLC “Scientific and Production Center “TROUT”, VGO Community of Fishermen of Ukraine, LLC “AUGUSTUS”, LLC “Carpathian Vodogray”, FG “GOLUBA NYVA”, LLC “Persha Aqua-Promyslova Kompaniya” and others.
During the presentation by the BRDO, the main attention was paid to the discussion of the main problems of aquaculture, in particular those related to land issues, lease issues (including hydrotechnical structures), investment attraction, taxation, etc. Legislative initiatives registered in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine were presented, namely draft laws No. 8119 on attracting investments in the development of aquaculture in Ukraine and No. 9545, 9546 on the traceability of aquatic biological resources.
In addition, the Office presented drafts of procedures for the provision of hydrotechnical structures for the purposes of aquaculture and fishery technological reservoirs for use on lease terms.
After the presentation, the problems and prospects of Ukrainian aquaculture were discussed. The business emphasized the need to solve problems related to ownerless property (hydrotechnical structures) necessary for the effective implementation of its activities, the importance of adopting investment legislation in the field of aquaculture, as well as settling issues related to rent. Problems related to the validity period of permit documents and taxation were also discussed. Market stakeholders emphasized the need to introduce a traceability system for aquaculture products and an open, productive dialogue between them and state authorities and local self-government bodies.
The discussion of the necessary changes in the regulatory field in the field of aquaculture, as well as draft regulations aimed at improving business conditions, will continue as part of the project “Improving the Regulatory Environment in the Aquaculture Sector” of the USAID AGRO program together with BRDO in the framework of the following round tables.