Aid to promote human capital and networking in aquaculture
Article 35
1. Aid to promote human capital and networking in aquaculture fulfilling the conditions laid down in Chapter I of this Regulation shall be compatible with the internal market within the meaning of Article 107(3), point (c), TFEU and shall be exempted from the notification requirement of Article 108(3) thereof provided that the aid supports the following: (a) professional training, lifelong learning, the dissemination of scientific and technical knowledge and innovative practices, the acquisition of new professional skills in aquaculture and with regard to the reduction of the environment impact of aquaculture operations; (b) the improvement of working conditions and the promotion of occupational safety; and (c) networking and exchange of experiences and best practices among aquaculture undertakings or professional organisations and other stakeholders, including scientific and technical bodies or those promoting equal opportunities between men and women. 2. The aid shall take the form of a subsidised service or direct grant. 3. The aid may only cover the following eligible costs incurred directly as a result of the supported project: (a) direct salary costs (b) participation fees; (c) travel costs; (d) costs of publications; (e) purchased data collection services, studies, pilot projects; (f) the rent of exhibition premises and stands and the costs of their installation and dismantling; or (g) costs for the dissemination of scientific knowledge and factual information. 4. The amount of the aid granted under this Article shall not exceed, in gross grant equivalent, a maximum aid intensity rate of 50 % of the eligible costs. Specific maximum aid intensity rates shall be as set out in Annex IV. Where one operation falls under several of the rows 1 to 11 of Annex IV, the highest maximum aid intensity rate shall apply.