Press release

Apply now for cash to promote and inform on EU agricultural produce

Trade organisations representing UK agricultural sectors have a fresh chance to apply to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) for EU funding towards promotion and information programmes for agricultural products.

From:
Rural Payments Agency
Published
6 June 2014
Conservation headland

Copyright Natural England/Peter Wakely

Producers of one or more of the products listed below can apply for up to half the cost of marketing their goods abroad in a scheme designed to raise awareness and increase sales of EU food products.

The maximum rises to 60 percent for the promotion of fruit and vegetables intended specifically for children in EU schools, and for information on responsible drinking patterns and harm linked to hazardous alcohol consumption.

The application process for the two schemes, one for internal markets (EU countries) and another external markets (rest of the world), is combined. Applicants may apply under either or both schemes but cannot submit a combined application covering both schemes. Preparation of an application may start at any time of the year provided that the deadlines are respected. It is also essential to take into account any regulatory and other changes which may be introduced. The next deadline is 30 September 2014.

Applicants are expected to fund at least a 20 percent of the total cost of the programme and can choose either to pay the remaining balance themselves or to finance it by industry levy.

Eligible products include:

Internal Market Promotions

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Processed fruit and vegetables
  • Fibre flax
  • Live plants and products of ornamental horticulture
  • Olive oil and table olives
  • Seed oils
  • Milk and milk products
  • Fresh, chilled or frozen meat, produced in accordance with a Community or a national quality scheme.
  • Marking of eggs for human consumption
  • Honey and beekeeping products
  • Wines with a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication, wines with an indication of the wine grape variety
  • Graphic symbol for the outermost regions as laid down in agricultural legislation
  • Products covered by the schemes for protected designations of origin (PDO), protected geographical indications (PGI), traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG) or optional quality terms in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p.1).
  • Organic farming in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 and products registered according to that Regulation
  • Sheep meat

Third Country Promotions

  • Fresh, chilled and frozen beef, veal and pig meat; food preparations based on these products;
  • Quality poultry meat;
  • Milk products;
  • Olive oil and table olives;
  • Wines with a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication, wines with an indication of the wine grape variety;
  • Spirit drinks with a protected geographical indication;
  • Fresh and processed fruit and vegetables;
  • Products processed from cereals and rice;
  • Fibre flax;
  • Live plants and ornamental horticulture products;
  • Products covered by the schemes for protected designations of origin (PDO), protected geographical indications (PGI), or traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG) in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council; and Organic farming products in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ L 198, 22.7.1991, p.1)
  • Sheep meat

Background

  1. The Rural Payments Agency’s work helps the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to encourage a thriving farming and food sector and strong rural communities. RPA makes Common Agricultural Policy support payments, traces livestock and carries out inspections. We manage more than 40 schemes, paying farmers and traders more than £2 billion each year. To administer such a wide range of schemes and meet EU requirements we manage information on more than two million land parcels.

  2. The EU part-finances information and promotion campaigns about its farm products, manufactured foodstuffs and production methods.

  3. Each application for funding in the next round must arrive at the Rural Payments Agency by 30 September 2014. Applications submitted after this date cannot be considered. Applications may be sent by email to promotions@rpa.gsi.gov.uk. A first draft may be submitted up to one month ahead of this deadline so that any changes can be discussed and incorporated into the final copies if necessary.

  4. The full link for the Internal Market Information & Promotions Forms is https://www.gov.uk/promotion-schemes-for-agricultural-products

  5. Defra and RPA will evaluate each application. Following the evaluation the Rural Payments Agency may request hard copies of the application.

  6. Applicants must use the European Commission’s standard application form, which can be obtained from the Promotion schemes for agricultural products on GOV.UK. They should be sent to Rural Payments Agency, Promotions Schemes, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 7YH.

  7. Full details are available from Steve Wood on 0191 226 5338 or Michelle Lowrey on 0191 226 5399, at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), or email: promotions@rpa.gsi.gov.uk.

Media contact only: Adam Fisher, Media Relations Manager, 0118 968 7959.

Published 6 June 2014

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