Markets and marketplaces are commercial spaces that often have the capacity to generate complementary activities around them. At the same time they constitute a very effective marketing channel for fresh produce from the sea, orchards and livestock. They are, therefore, essential for the promotion of local commerce and also for the regeneration of urban environments in towns and cities.

Thus, through the Excellent Market seal, the Galician Regional Government seeks to recognise the quality of the infrastructure, services and products of Galician marketplaces and markets, rewarding the actions aimed at their development and updating, and will provide them with the necessary tools, advice and financing.

The new aid programme to promote the revitalisation of the squares and the Excellent Market network has been given €870,000 for the development and updating of the markets and marketplaces of Galicia. The Galician Government subsidises investments of up to €100,000 for municipalities to improve the quality of services and energy efficiency of these spaces.

The grants have two different recipients: Galician city councils and the federations and associations of market vendors.

Specifically, Galician municipalities that have a market with the Excellent Market seal awarded in accordance with the Order of 4 January 2017 regulating the procedure for obtaining the Excellent Market seal in the Autonomous Community of Galicia, or those that are in the process of obtaining it, may apply for grants.

Non-profit federations and associations of vendors of food marketplaces, which are legally constituted and whose scope of action is in the Autonomous Community of Galicia, can also apply for this aid.

In any case, the federations and associations must be at least three years old on the date of publication of this order, 9 September 2022, and be up to date in the approval of the annual accounts by the board of directors in the last two financial years prior to this call order.

Lines of aid

The call for proposals contemplates different eligible actions, depending on each of the beneficiaries. In the case of municipalities, there are three lines of aid: line 1, to promote a network of Excellent Markets, differentiating actions for municipalities that already have the seal from those that have not yet applied for it, since the actions of preparation for obtaining the Excellent Market seal are also eligible; line 2, for commercial equipment; and line 3, aimed at energy efficiency actions.

In the case of associations of marketplaces and markets, actions for the maintenance of marketplaces, actions of commercial stimulation, customer loyalty (e-commerce logistics, app, parking tickets) or acquisition of market equipment and equipment for market stallholders and stallholders will be considered eligible for subsidies.

Finally, the federations of marketplaces and markets will be eligible for aid for the maintenance of marketplaces or the implementation of campaigns in commercial dates or periods.

In summary, through the different lines of aid, improvements will be made in access and infrastructure, maintenance or energy efficiency, in accordance with the commitment of the Galician Government to collaborate with traders, SMEs and the self-employed to address the current problems of electricity prices. The improvement of services to customers, the creation of marketplaces and promotion campaigns will also be promoted. 

Subsidies for the promotion of the network of Excellent Markets of Galicia and for the stimulation and revitalisation of the marketplaces can be applied for until 6th October.

In the last six years the Galician Regional Government allocated 2.6 million euros to the improvement and promotion of marketplaces through aid orders for municipalities and traders' associations.