On Tuesday 15 January, the European Commission launched the call for proposals on programmes to promote the consumption of agri-food products in the EU, on its territory and abroad (see EUROPE 12137).
The 2019 budget amounts to €191.6 million (+€12.5 million compared to 2018). €89 million will be used for campaigns in high-growth countries (Canada, China, Colombia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, United States).
Funds will be used to promote specific products, such as table olives, organic products or products bearing a quality label (PDO, PGI, TSG).
The call for proposals will be open to a wide range of bodies, such as trade organisations, producer organisations and agri-food groups responsible for promotion activities.
So-called 'simple' programmes may be submitted by one or more organisations in the same Member State. Multiple programmes may be submitted by at least two organisations from at least two Member States or by one or more European organisations.
Campaigns generally take place over three years. Proposals must be submitted before 16 April 2019 via the dedicated portal. CHAFEA, the EU's executive agency for consumers, health, agriculture and food, is organising an information day in Brussels on 7 February, open to all potential beneficiaries to help them better prepare their proposals. The Commission will evaluate the proposals and announce the beneficiaries in the autumn. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)