Ukraine has significant potential for the development of aquaculture, but today about 80% of fish products on the domestic market are imported. Because of this, the development of domestic aquafarming is one of the important areas of strengthening food security, supporting the regional economy and creating new jobs.
Ways to strengthen state support for the industry, increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian fish and expand opportunities for producers were discussed by the participants of the round table “Support for Aquafarming: Increasing Biodiversity, Sustainable Development of Regions, Providing the Population with High-Quality Fish Products”.
“Ukraine has significant potential for the development of aquaculture, and at the same time we remain dependent on imports of fish products. According to statistics, imports account for 80% of the domestic market of Ukraine. Our common task is to create conditions under which Ukrainian producers can become competitive, and Ukrainian fish can become a high-quality, affordable and recognizable product on the domestic market,” said Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Iryna Ovcharenko.
The participants of the event emphasized that the development of Ukrainian aquaculture contributes to strengthening the country’s food independence, reduces dependence on external supplies and supports the economic development of communities. Local fish production also provides a shorter path for products to the consumer, which has a positive impact on its quality and environmental friendliness.
Special attention during the discussion was paid to instruments of state support for producers. In particular, the topic was the government program of financial assistance to aquaculture entities engaged in breeding, keeping and growing freshwater fish. If in 2025 the support extended only to de-occupied and war-affected territories, now the program operates throughout Ukraine.
The participants also discussed the possibilities of using the State Agrarian Register to access support programs, develop the production of fish seed, modernize the hydrotechnical infrastructure, and attract international grant programs with the support of FAO and the European Union.
State support for the fishing industry in 2025-2026 includes both financial instruments and measures to stimulate product sales. Such a comprehensive approach should contribute to increasing the share of Ukrainian fish in the domestic market and strengthening the country’s food security.
Following the roundtable, representatives of state bodies, business, the scientific community, and international partners agreed to continue practical cooperation to develop aquaculture and increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian fish products.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy, the State Fish Agency, and the Methodological and Technological Center for Aquaculture. (Economy Ministry)