The Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA), the representative trade body for Ireland's fish processing and exporting sector, has called for a fundamental and urgent reset in how funding is delivered across the industry, warning that current support structures are not meeting the needs of frontline businesses.

The Fishing Daily reported that IFPEA acknowledged the sustained pressures facing the sector over the past five years, including the post-Brexit landscape and negative scientific advice affecting key fish stocks, but stressed that the core business fundamentals of Irish fish processing remain strong, with solid market presence and growing global demand for Irish seafood products.

The association criticised the use of European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) supports, stating that wasteful practices must come to an end. It argued that support and innovation programmes in recent years have often lacked practical value, describing them as neither sensible nor well thought out.

IFPEA called for future funding frameworks to prioritise frontline sectors, including fisheries, processing, and aquaculture, particularly those providing employment and income. It warned that failure to act is no longer an option and emphasised that development and innovation begin with those working directly in the industry.

The association underlined that all segments of the fishing sector operate as businesses, from sole operators to large employers, and said it would continue to highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing the industry while outlining pathways for progression, development, and recovery.

IFPEA also pointed to the Programme for Government, which it said already recognises the need for change and prioritisation of the Irish processing sector, adding that this process is underway and is being driven by the industry itself.

Concluding, the association called on the State to reassess its priorities, including funding opportunities and overall support structures, to ensure they meet the evolving needs of a sector it described as having a long-standing reputation for dynamic and innovative leadership on the global stage.

The statement positions IFPEA as a central voice in shaping the next phase of Ireland's seafood policy, at a time when the sector is seeking both recognition and practical reform from government and funding bodies.

Read the full statement from the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association on seafood sector funding reform.