The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has announced applications are invited for EU part-funding from trade associations for promotional activities for fresh fruit and vegetables.

The funding is available to cover activities such as PR, promotion and advertising, the quality and safety of food, specific production methods, nutritional and health aspects, labelling and respect for the environment, information campaigns and impact assessments of information and promotional measures, and participation at events, fairs or exhibitions of national or EU importance.

Any trade association applying for funding must be able to fund at least 20 per cent of the contribution itself, but may fund up to 50 per cent.

Up to 30 per cent of the financing may be borne by the member state however, the Rural Payments Agency states that due to the very tight financial constraints imposed on the Common Agricultural Policy, the UK has no funds available to finance the required member state contribution of any promotional measures agreed.

However, the FPC claims there is provision in the regulations for the proposing organisation and/or member state contributions to be met by para-fiscal charges or compulsory contributions.

The FPC is looking for suggestions on potential promotional activities.

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