5/06/2007
COPA-COGECA, CIAA and CELCAA Statement on Promotion of agricultural products COPA-COGECA, CIAA and CELCAA jointly regret the current lack of ambition to adapt the EU policy on promotion to the reality of markets and companies. The promotion policy is currently under scrutiny in the context of the technical simplification process and the periodical review of the scheme. There is a clear opportunity for improving the EU promotion policy.

Political objectives of the promotion policy need to be re-emphasised

The objectives of the Community promotion policy, which is a market-oriented mechanism, remain valid both internally (stagnation of consumption, increased focus on nutrition policy, etc..) and on expanding world markets where competition with other suppliers is growing. The promotion instrument on non-EU countries, a WTO compatible tool, has to evolve.

Experience has shown that the Community-level promotion policy enabled the development of important and useful programmes. The key assets of EU agricultural products, i.e. diversity, tradition, high quality and safety standards and requirements are the cornerstones of this policy. Promotion schemes are thus highly relevant in assisting Community operators to reach out on world markets and in enhancing exports. Nevertheless, the rules governing the promotion policy tend to jeopardise the objectives of the regime that remain valid.

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