11/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 10 December, the European Commission authorised an umbrella scheme for aid notified by France to support activities carried out by recognised agricultural inter-branch organisations. The scheme, financed by “compulsory voluntary levies” involving aid for members in all the farm sectors represented by recognised agricultural inter-branch organisations, provides for aid for technical assistance, quality agricultural produce, research and development and advertising campaigns. The annual aid budget is estimated at €250 million. (A.B./transl.jl)