EU PROMOTION METHODS FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL PRODUCE Better information and promotion measures for agricultural products will enable consumers, in Europe and across the world, to learn more about the EU's quality and high production standards thereby building confidence in the products they purchase and consume. Pedro Sanz Alonso, rapporteur for information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries
By explaining to consumers the standards and the quality of what EU agriculture puts on the table, EU promotional programmes can help European producers in an increasingly competitive world. EU financing can cover half of the cost of a campaign. The professional organisation behind the campaign must contribute at least 20 percent of the cost and national authorities can provide the rest. Priority is given to programmes proposed by organisations from several Member States, for measures in several Member States or third countries. Products cannot be promoted on the basis of their origin, unless they come from a specific area identified under EU rules. Promotional activities can include advertising campaigns in the press, on television, on radio or on the Internet; point-of-sale promotions; public relations campaigns; participation in exhibitions and fairs. The new regulation will be formally adopted and enter into force on 1st December 2015. Europe needs an awareness campaign to highlight the wealth and diversity of aquaculture as well as to promote greater transparency in aquaculture product labelling. Marialuisa Coppola, rapporteur on the strategic guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture
EU FOOD LABELLING AND PLACE OF ORIGIN The following EU schemes encourage diverse agricultural production, protect product names from misuse and imitation and help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products.
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PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN - PDO: covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognised know-how. PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION - PGI: covers agricultural products and foodstuffs closely linked to the geographical area. At least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the area. TRADITIONAL SPECIALITY GUARANTEED - TSG: highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production
New EU food labelling legislation will also apply from December 2014 with the aim of increasing transparency about the origin of food sold on the EU market.