European Commission Green Paper Consultation on Information and Promotion for EU Agricultural Products
Objective of the consultation
The European Commission has launched a debate on the future of promotion and information schemes for EU agricultural products. With the publication of a Green Paper on these issues, the Commission is looking at how to shape a more targeted and more ambitious strategy for the future, which will make clearer to consumers - both in the EU and beyond - the quality, traditions and added-value of European agricultural and food products.
The paper raises a series of multi-faceted questions and invites all stakeholders - consumers, producers, distributors and official authorities - to give their comments and suggestions. On the basis of these responses, the Commission will draft a Communication for publication next year, which should then lead to legislative proposals.
The Green Paper is divided into four sections -
- The European added-value of this policy;
- Objectives and measures to use on the internal EU market, including on local and regional markets;
- Objectives and measures to use on world markets; and
- Broader questions on the content and management of the policy.
The various questions raised, 16 in all, contain different aspects and suggestions, aimed at stimulating responses. For example, they ask about the specific needs for information and promotion, both on the EU market and the external market, and what priorities should be set. There is also a question about multi-country programmes, and what can be done to encourage programmes with a greater European dimension.
How to submit your contribution
In order to participate in this consultation, you are invited to read the consultation document ("Green Paper") before you fill in the Commission's online questionnaire. All submissions should be made by September 30, 2011. Please note that all contributions received will be published on the Commission's website, unless specifically requested not to do so.
Results of consultation and next steps
A report summarizing the contributions will be made public by the end of 2011.
The answers received will pave the way for a presentation of concrete option(s) in a Communication in mid-2012 followed by regulatory proposals by the end of 2012.
Contact details
European Commission
Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development
Unit D.4 - Promotion of agricultural products
E-mail: agri-promotion-green-paper@ec.europa.eu
Postal address: Rue de la Loi 130, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Issued by Food Industry Development Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food
Email: agripromo@agriculture.gov.ie | Phone: 01 6072303
August 2011
