Funding for mussel and oyster farmers impacted by coronavirus

Ireland’s rope mussel and oyster farmers are to receive financial support in recognition of significant Covid-19 impact in first six months of 2020.

Announcing the new support scheme at an IFA Aquaculture webinar (October 22), marine minister Charlie McConalogue noted market access and price difficulties caused by the pandemic.

“While these issues eased as the first wave of the pandemic passed, the impacts of lost sales and production left a lasting financial burden on these aquaculture enterprises.”

Rope mussel farmers suffered a 34% fall in sales between February and June; and sales of oysters fell by 59%.

“Continued viability of these SME enterprises is jeopardised by these unprecedented shocks to their businesses with many struggling to cover their fixed costs and to fund the cost of purchasing seed to grow their next crops.”

Payment scales

Payments will vary according to three size classes based on records of previous production levels held by BIM.

“I anticipate that BIM will be inviting applications in early November with a view to paying successful applicants in 2020.”

The one-off payment of between €6,800 and €16,300 to each eligible oyster farming business and between €1,300 and €9,000 for rope mussel producers is funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Programme 2014-2020, co-funded by the government and EU. Further information will be announced by BIM shortly.

Rope Mussels			Oysters
Historic Production	0-50 T	50-100 T	>100 T	0-50 T	50-100 T	>100 T
No. enterprises	16	10	24	82	26	23
Fixed payment	€1,300	€3,600	€9,000	€6,800	€11,300	€16,300