New equipment funded by the European Union is helping a family-run fish farm improve its production infrastructure and increase the efficiency of its fish farming operations.
Wieslawa Józefa Szabó, a sole proprietor, has successfully applied for funding several times through the Hungarian Fisheries Operational Programme, using the support to make significant improvements to her fish farm. With the grants received, she built several small ponds, enabling the introduction of pond-based recirculation systems and more intensive carp and tench farming. She also renovated her feed storage facility, enhancing the farm’s overall efficiency and profitability.
In the latest EU-funded project, she focused on further strengthening her production infrastructure by acquiring a tracked excavator and a fish transport truck.
The modern 165-horsepower excavator – one of the most advanced machines currently available in Hungary – allows for long-term maintenance of the ponds, especially the removal of silt that builds up over time. This not only improves water quality but also increases the ponds’ production capacity, making fish farming more efficient and reliable. Cleaner water and more stable environmental conditions also reduce stress on the fish, particularly during droughts.
Another key part of the development was the purchase of a fish transport truck with a total weight of 7.2 tons, which significantly improves the farm’s logistics. With this vehicle, fish can be transported immediately after harvesting to processing or sales locations, minimizing delays and reducing stress for the fish.
Replacing outdated equipment with these two new machines has also improved working conditions for staff and enhanced workplace safety.
Overall, these upgrades are making production at the family farm more efficient while also supporting sustainable and animal-friendly fish farming practices in Hungary.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project MAHOP-2.2.1-2016-2019-00085 under the Hungarian Fisheries Operational Programme.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder: Details
