Greek aquaculture can be one of the great pillars of the new productive Greece, Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas said.

During his speech at the 4th Fish Farming 2026 Industry Conference, on “Blue Growth, Global Vision”, Schinas noted that there are currently about 285 marine fish farming units operating in the country, with a production exceeding 120,000 tonnes of fish per year and a value of about €670 million. 670 euros, while another 24 fish hatcheries and more than 400 shellfish farms are also active.

According to the data he presented, the sector has more than 700 enterprises and institutions, creating directly and indirectly more than 10,000 jobs, mainly in island, coastal and border areas.

The minister stressed that about 80% of Greek production is directed to international markets, with Greek fish now acting as an “ambassador of quality and reliability of Greek production and the Mediterranean diet”.

Referring to the government’s interventions to support the sector, he pointed to more specific spatial rules, the acceleration of licensing procedures and the enhancement of investment predictability.

He said that the PALYTH 2021-2027 programme, worth 519 million. He said that the €519 million programme is the key tool for the new era of Greek aquaculture, through which productive investments, the modernisation of units and actions for the sustainable management of marine ecosystems are supported.

He also recalled the new €16 million intervention in the form of a new programme for the development of aquaculture in Greece. He also mentioned the new €16 million investment in the country’s fishing vessels, which, he said, will actively enhance the sustainability and productive activity of the sector.

At the same time, Schinas pointed out that the country’s strategy until 2030 includes an average annual increase in production by 5%, while enhancing the added value and competitiveness of Greek products.

In this context, he described as a critical priority the completion of the institutionalisation of the Organised Development Areas for Aquaculture, stressing that the government is working on a modern and functional framework for the next day of the sector. “We are turning a page in the primary sector of our country”, Schinas said, concluding that “Greek aquaculture will be an integral part of this national effort”

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