Government Strengthens Support for Ukrainian Fisheries and Stimulates Fish Consumption
The average annual fish consumption in Ukraine remains at 13.2 kg per person, which is almost half of the global average. Experts note that despite the significant water potential — over 24 thousand square kilometers of surface water and access to the sea, Ukrainians consume fish significantly less than the global average.
This is reported by AgroReview
Government Initiatives to Support National Fisheries
The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food is implementing a number of initiatives aimed at import substitution and the development of domestic fish production. In particular, the food product catalog for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been updated to include more domestic fish in the diet. The list of Ukrainian fish in the Prozorro Market has also been expanded, adding positions for silver carp and carp in the form of fillets and steaks.
Additionally, purchases of silver carp, carp, and trout have already been made through the Prozorro platform to meet the needs of the military in Kyiv and the region. In Vinnytsia region, a pilot project has been implemented — fillets of silver carp were purchased for correctional facilities.
“Our fish is high-quality, tested, and safe. Most importantly, it contributes to the national economy, food security, and sustainable development. Supporting domestic producers is a strategic decision and has a direct economic effect for the industry, providing additional orders for agricultural producers, stable employment in the regions, and strengthening the country’s food independence,” emphasized Koval.
New Mechanisms for State Support and the Public Procurement Market
Vitaliy Koval held a meeting involving First Deputy Taras Vysotsky and representatives of law enforcement agencies, as well as key state customers: the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Border Guard Service, the Main Intelligence Directorate, and the State Rear Support Operator. They discussed the possibilities of gradually increasing the share of Ukrainian fish products in public procurement, particularly for military personnel and other citizens who are fed at the expense of the state budget.
The government has also approved a resolution that introduces a new tool for state support of aquaculture. For the first time in history, part of the funds received from electronic auctions for the special use of aquatic biological resources will be directed exclusively to restocking Ukrainian water bodies. This decision aims to enhance food security, increase employment, and ensure the sustainable development of the fishing industry.