Farm Europe and Eat Europe call to protect EU promotion budget
Farm Europe and Eat Europe have called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to reverse the proposed 50% reduction in the 2027 budget for the EU agricultural promotion policy, warning that the cut would undermine the competitiveness of European farmers and agri-food businesses at a time of growing global uncertainty.
In a joint letter sent to the Commission, the organisations argue that reducing the budget from €205 million to €112 million sends the wrong signal when the EU is promoting strategic autonomy and encouraging consumers around the world to “Buy European”. They stress that promotion policy is not a cost, but a strategic investment that generates value for farmers, rural communities and the wider European economy.
“European agricultural promotion delivers clear economic returns,” said Yves Madre, President of Farm Europe. “It supports farmers’ incomes, strengthens the EU’s quality schemes and geographical indications, opens new markets and contributes to Europe’s agri-food trade surplus. Cutting this budget is economically and strategically short-sighted.“
The organisations also criticise the lack of consistency in recent budget decisions, arguing that repeated changes to funding levels create uncertainty for businesses and Member States and make long-term investment and planning increasingly difficult. They note that, despite announcements of record budgets, the funding effectively available to promotion programmes has already declined in recent years.
“The EU cannot promote European products with one hand while dismantling the very policy designed to support them with the other,” said Luigi Scordamaglia, President of Eat Europe. “At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and unfair competition, European producers need stronger – not weaker – support to reach consumers both inside and outside the EU.“
Farm Europe and Eat Europe are calling on the European Commission to restore the 2027 promotion budget to a level that reflects the strategic importance of the policy and ensure stable and predictable funding for promotion programmes.
The organisations conclude that if the European Union is serious about strengthening its agricultural sector and encouraging consumers to choose European products, its political ambitions must be matched by adequate financial resources and avoid taking money away with one hand and returning part of it with the other.