The Commission will give additional funding of €169 million to promote EU agricultural products throughout the world - €27 million more than in 2017.
The European Commission has launched the calls for proposals for programmes to promote European agricultural products throughout the world and within the EU. A total of €169 million is available to co-finance the programmes, up from €142 million in 2017. Programmes can cover a wide range of issues from general campaigns on healthy eating to specific market sectors.
Phil Hogan, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development said:
"The EU is the world's largest trader of agri-food products and the best address in the world for high-quality food. I had the occasion to witness first-hand the interest consumers and businesses have worldwide for EU agri-food products on my several business missions conducted abroad. I welcome these new promotion programmes which have in the past successfully opened the doors to new applicants and increased our visibility across the world. Last year, bids for agri-food promotion programmes exceeded the available budget by close to ten times. So if you are an eligible organisation, it is time to apply now.
Two thirds of the available funding is earmarked for promoting EU food products in non-EU countries, in particular those with which there is a large potential for increasing EU agri-food exports such as Canada, Japan, China, Mexico and Colombia. For programmes within the EU, the focus should be on informing consumers about the various EU quality schemes and labels such as geographical indications or organic products. Sectorial funding will go towards programmes that promote sustainable breeding including for sheep and goats. Funding has also been set aside for campaigns designed to promote healthy eating and the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Source: europa.eu.
