European Commission to promote EU agri-food products

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - The European Commission will provide €172.5 million (around $200 million) fund from agricultural budget to promote EU agri-food products in Europe and around the world, the commission announced Tuesday.

Over the next three years, a total of 79 campaigns, allocating a wide range of products -- dairy products, olives and olive oil, fruit and vegetables -- will be rolled out, the report read.

Phil Hogan, Commissioner responsible for Agriculture and rural development, said: "EU producers can count on the support of the EU Commission to help spread the word in Europe and beyond about their high-quality products."

He also stressed that Europe is known globally for its good quality food products and culinary heritage.

The campaigns designed to support the producers in the EU agri-food sector, targeted promoting their products in the EU, as well as reaching new markets.

The report revealed that out of the 79 approved campaigns, 48 programs target non-EU countries.

While some product sectors had a special significance, 23 programs were oriented to the fruit and vegetable sector, and other sectors included cheese and dairy products.

The selected programs will cover applicants from 19 Member States, the report said.

"A wide range of organizations, such as trade organizations, producer organizations and agri-food bodies responsible for promotion activities were eligible to apply for funding through the call for proposals that was launched in January 2018."