On December 29, 2020, the Operating Rules of the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Aquaculture Promotion Program were published for the 2021 financial year. This program will have a budget of $1,547,987,925 pesos 1 which will be allocated to 3 components:
- Promotion of Agriculture and Livestock Responsible
Unit: Undersecretary of Agriculture 2
Budget: $10,000,000 pesos
- BienPesca Responsible
Unit: CONAPESCA
Budget: $1,508,940,464 pesos
- Genetic and Aquaculture Resources Responsible
Unit: INAPESCA
Budget: $29,047,461 pesos
As for the Bienesca component that has the largest budget line, as in the previous year, the subsidy will be $7,200 pesos per fisherman and aquaculturist. In contrast to the previous year, the eligibility requirements, that is, the requirements for applying for support, changed. In 2020, beneficiaries were required to be registered in the Register of Fisheries and Aquaculture Producers. However, the 2021 Operating Rules allow for the following scenarios:
“Be registered in the Register of Fisheries and Aquaculture Producers or, who carry out their activities under the protection of a valid fishing or aquaculture concession certificate or permit, or that is in the process of being extended, or who have registered production through arrival or harvest notices, or who have been registered in any program for the legal regulation of fishing effort and/or fishing or aquaculture management program of CONAPESCA.” 3
This modification opens up the spectrum of potential beneficiaries, giving more space to discretion in their distribution. First, there has been no transparency about the Producers Register, which was built with the help of the Ministry of Welfare. However, if we add to this universe the fishermen who have a permit, pending or in force, plus those who have registered in a regularization program, it makes it even more difficult to identify the target population. In addition, since we do not have a single complete register of fishermen, the probability of doubling beneficiaries and dispersing subsidies to people outside the sector increases.
It is essential that there be greater clarity about the Bienesca mechanics so that support reaches the fishermen and aquaculturists who require it most.
Note:1 AM In accordance with the 2021 Federation Expenditure Budget available at https://www.transparenciapresupuestaria.gob.mx/es/PTP/Datos_Abiertos
2 Specifically, the General Directorate for the Promotion of Aquaculture, General Directorate of Natural Fibers and Biofuels, General Directorate for Attention to Climate Change in the Agricultural Sector, and General Coordination of Livestock Farming.
3 Article 28, Subsection B, of the Program's Operating Rules, available at http://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5609035&fecha=28/12/2020
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