Which aquaculture sector stakeholders may be eligible?
The primary target group of the call consists of organisations involved in aquaculture activities that have not yet been recognised as producer organisations or associations of producer organisations. Applicants must also comply with the EU requirements referred to in the call concerning the recognition of producer organisations and interbranch organisations. In terms of legal form, eligible applicants include, among others, limited liability companies (Kft.), joint-stock companies (Rt.), cooperatives, sole proprietors, associations and nonprofit companies. Applications may not be submitted by consortia, meaning that the grant application must be submitted by a single eligible organisation.
Focus of the funding: organisational development, market access and sectoral cooperation
The eligible professional programme is built around three main pillars:
1. Establishment of producer organisations, associations of producer organisations or interbranch organisations
2. Market organisation activities, including in particular:
- preparation of production and marketing plans,
- market research,
- marketing,
- identification of new markets,
- improvement of conditions for placing products on the market,
- support for market access for local producers and local products.
3. Cooperation activities, including:
- development of sector-specific skills,
- professional cooperation,
- strengthening the representation of the aquaculture sector,
- increasing the sector’s resilience to crisis situations.
In connection with the professional objectives of the project, eligible costs may also include the purchase of equipment and IT equipment, acquisition of intangible assets, employment costs, event organisation and participation in professional events.
Funding conditions
The amount of funding available per project is HUF 7.5–94.4 million. The funding is provided in the form of a non-repayable grant, with a maximum funding rate of 75%, meaning that applicants must provide at least 25% own contribution. The total project cost eligible for EU funding may not exceed HUF 157.96 million, while an advance payment of up to 25% may be requested. Projects may be implemented over a maximum period of 36 months, but all projects must be physically completed by 31 October 2029 at the latest.
The business plan is one of the key elements of the application
Under the evaluation system, it is not sufficient for applicants merely to demonstrate the professional rationale for establishing the organisation.
Grant applications maay receive a maximum of 100 points, with at least 55 points required to qualify for funding. The business plan accounts for up to 40 points, of which applicants must obtain at least 24 points.
The assessment covers, among other factors:
- the professional and business justification of the project,
- the sustainability of operations,
- innovative elements,
- cost-effectiveness,
- and the realism of the financial plan.
In addition, the marketing plan is assessed as a separate evaluation criterion. It may therefore be particularly important to define target markets, market positioning, sales channels, campaigns and methods for measuring results in advance.
The scheme may therefore be particularly relevant to aquaculture sector stakeholders that are not merely considering the formal establishment of an organisation, but intend to develop long-term joint production, sales and market development activities.
When can applications be submitted?
According to the draft call, grant applications are expected to be accepted from autumn 2026.
If you would like to assess in advance whether your organisation and planned project may meet the requirements of the MAHOP Plusz-2.4.1-2026 call, please contact us for further information and advisory support.