FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

Good Practice Project

From fishermen to you

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Online sales have generated new interest since the COVID-19 pandemic, giving a renewed boost to projects such as Cabaz do Peixe. This virtual platform to sell fish to the general public from the local artisanal fishing fleet ensures the delivery of fresh and high-quality products, as well as consumer safety

Description

Cabaz do Peixe is an initiative that was first set up in 2015. Then, in 2018, the ADREPES Costeiro FLAG supported a new investment for the expansion of the project. Born from the cooperation between the local fishing boat owners’ association, AAPCS, and a local environmental NGO, Liga para a Protecção da Natureza, this platform facilitates the delivery of seafood to individual households in the area. Other local stakeholders, such as the Municipality of Sesimbra and Docapesca, a public company that manages fish landing sites and first sale system, have also been active in supporting the platform.

The scheme provides local fish at a better price for the consumer while also guaranteeing a fair price to fishermen. Consumers order online and receive a delivery of 3kg of fish (flaked and gutted) for €25. Depending on the catch of the day, the basket will contain fish from a list of 26 possible species. Customers can indicate in advance up to three species that they do not want to receive.

Having previously received support to build the online platform and equip a warehouse with the necessary refrigeration systems, the second round of financial support from the FLAG allowed AAPCS to scale up its distribution capacity and, in turn its sales volume, thanks to the acquisition of a second refrigerated truck.

Given the situation linked to COVID-19, the scheme has been adapted to ensure less client exposure in more crowded locations. The platform also became part of the Ministry of Agriculture´s social media campaign, “Alimente quem o alimenta” (Feed those who feed you), which the Ministry of the Sea replicated to promote national seafood production, through the testimonies of projects that support producers to sell their food locally.

Results: 
  •  
  • 115 weekly deliveries
  • 80 artisanal vessels involved
  • More than 3 300 followers on Social Media
  • Eight collection points within a radius of 30km, including three points in Lisbon.
  • Better consumer awareness of the lesser known local species.  
Transferability: 

This project was originally launched to respond to the need of community members that had more difficult access to Sesimbra's markets. However, the network, improved in 2018, has been extremely useful in times of crisis, giving it increased value. New sales systems and the use of new technologies can offer opportunities to fishermen in many fisheries areas around Europe.

Lessons & contribution to CLLD objectives: 

Lessons: Previous cooperation between the project partners was fundamental to the success of the project, as was their past experience in short distribution chains and experience developed for agricultural products. Indeed, this type of project is complex so prior knowledge and experience are necessary. Adequate time must also be foreseen to launch such a project. In this case, it took several years to develop and formally submit the project, build the infrastructure, hire staff, etc.

Contribution to CLLD objective: (a) adding value, creating jobs, attracting young people and promoting innovation at all stages of the supply chain of fishery and aquaculture products.

Funding

Total project cost €18 340
FLAG grant €18 340
  • EU contribution (EMFF): €15 589
  • Public contribution (national): €2 751
Beneficiary contribution €12 228

Project information

Timeframe of implementation From Jan 2018 to Jul 2021
Sea Basins
Type of area
Theme

Contact details

FLAG Contacts

Ms. Natália Henriques
+351 21 233 7930
Portugal
Publication date: 
19/06/2020
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