The European Commission announced on Wednesday 14 November that it has approved the 2019 programme for the promotion of agricultural products in EU and non-EU countries, providing a budget of €191.6 million (€12.5 million more than in 2018).
€89 million is earmarked for campaigns in non-EU countries with high growth (Canada, China, Columbia, Japan, Korea, Mexico and the United States). Some of the money will be earmarked for the promotion of specific products, like table olives.
Within the EU itself, the focus is on promotional campaigns for the various EU quality schemes and labels, including protected designations of origin (PDOs), protected geographical indications (PGIs) and traditional specialities guaranteed (TSGs), as well as organic products. In addition, a share of the funding is targeted at certain sectors, like sustainably produced rice and fruit and vegetables.
Calls for proposals for specific campaigns will be published in January 2019. They will be open to a wide range of bodies, such as trade organisations, producer organisations and agri-food groups responsible for promotion activities. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)