The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has announced a new opportunity for trade organisations to apply for funding towards promotion and information programmes for EU agricultural products.
Producers of a wide range of products, including fruit and vegetables, 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 per cent for the promotion of fruit and vegetables intended specifically for EU schools.
The application process for the two schemes, one for internal markets (EU countries) and another for external markets (rest of the world), is combined.
Applicants may apply under either or both promotions 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, and the next deadline is 28 February 2015. It is also essential to take into account any regulatory and other changes which may be introduced.
This will be the only opportunity to apply for EU co-financing of information and promotion programmes in 2015.
Applicants are expected to fund at least a 20 per cent 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 fresh and processed fruit vegetables, and live plants and ornamental horticulture products for both internal market and 'third country' promotions.
The RPA works with Defra in a bid to encourage a thriving farming and food sector and strong rural communities, and also makes CAP payments.
