July 23 – Veneto is currently at the center of the European “discussion” on policies for aquaculture. The Regional Councilor for Economy and Development, Marialuisa Coppola, participated today in a technical meeting at the Directorate General of the European Commission-Sea, in Brussels; she was rapporteur for the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the legislative Common Fisheries Policy reforms, and in particular on aquaculture policies. Coppola shared her interesting proposal with fellow councilor for Fishing, Franco Manzato. Veneto’s engagement and importance in terms of aquaculture are reflected in the fact that a Venetian was chosen to represent all involved regions: “We are talking about acknowledged and certified excellence at the international level, with a still largely untapped business potential,” said the Councilor. “The interplay with the sea is the strength of the Venetian valleys and lagoons, which give high-quality products, grown and reared thanks to the natural nutrients present in sea water… The interest of the Veneto Region to be a leader in the legislative debate in progress at the Community level is to encourage the European Union to treat carefully the issue of aquaculture. Specific forms of incentive at the European level would be appropriate, supporting fish farmers, safeguarding production processes. In Veneto these have a environmental and landscape protection function,” says the commissioner. Her proposal will be presented to the Commission NAT on October 1st to eventually be voted in the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions in November, after a process of discussion and consultation with stakeholders in the Member States.
