Commission adopts 'simpler rules' for EU agri-food promotion policy
The European Commission has adopted "simpler rules" for EU agri-food promotion policy.
These aim to reduce administrative and financial requirements for beneficiaries and member states, the commission said.
The changes will make the programmes "easier to implement, and benefit organisations applying for EU funding".
EU promotion policy co-finances programmes that promote EU agri-food products.
According to the commission, it also "rewards farmers and agri-food businesses for their efforts to meet the highest quality, safety and environmental standards on a competitive global market".
Changes
As part of the changes adopted, member states and beneficiaries will now have more time to conclude contracts and complete necessary procedures.
The deadline is extended from 90 to 180 days to conclude contracts.
The commission said the simplified rules will help smaller beneficiaries in the implementation of their programmes by allowing higher pre-financing, with the maximum rate increased to 30%.
The commission has also reduced the reporting obligations on the impact of simple programmes.
The beneficiaries will now be obliged to notify the commission with only one final notification.
The regulation will enter into force on the seventh day following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
The new rules will apply from that date.
However, they will not apply to contracts for the implementation of simple programmes concluded before December 1, 2026 so not to disrupt current practice, the commission said.
Budget
As in previous years, the budget for the 2027 agri-food promotion programme has not yet been finalised.
The budget allocation remains subject to adjustments as part of the revision of the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The final budget for the 2027 annual work programme is expected to be confirmed in October 2026.
The commission said it considers that "adequate financial resources are essential to ensure that promotion programmes can continue to support the EU agri-food sector over the long-term".
