Brussels, 08/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 December, the European Commission approved Community aid of €10.9 million (50% of the total cost) for promoting EU agricultural products in third countries.
Member states submitted 24 programmes to the Commission to be examined. The seven programmes that have been accepted are from Greece, Italy, Poland and Portugal. The products cover quality products, wine, fruit and vegetables, meat, spirits and olive oil.
These measures can be public relations, promotional or publicity measures, in particular highlighting the advantages of EU products, especially in terms of quality, hygiene, food safety, nutrition, labelling, animal welfare or environment-friendliness.
Measures include: €2.4 million in Community funds (every three years) for an Italian programme promoting quality products in the US (Prosciutto San Daniele, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Grana Padano); €2.3m for an Italian programme promoting fruit and fresh and processed vegetables (in Japan, the US and Russia); €1.7m for a Polish programme promoting bovine and pork meats in South Korea, South East Asia and the US; €1.7m for a programme promoting Italian olive oil (China and Russia). (L.C./transl.fl)