The Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies will launch the Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme (ADEP) at the Hilton Hotel, Cape Town, on Thursday, 28 March 2013.
Minister Davies says the objective of the ADEP is to stimulate investment in the aquaculture sector with the intention to increase production; sustain and create jobs; encourage geographical spread and broaden participation.
"The Programme is available to South African registered entities engaged in primary, secondary and ancillary aqua-culture activities in both marine and freshwater. It also offers a reimbursable cost-sharing grant of up to of R40 million in qualifying costs," said Davies.
The grant is provided directly to approved applications for new, upgrading or expansion of projects.
The Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) has identified aquaculture as a potential growth sector that can supplement the supply of wild stock with cultured fish products. Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world, growing at an annual rate of 8 to 10% per annum over the last two decades and outstripping livestock three to four fold.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
