Farm Europe and Eat Europe welcome strong ComAgri support for enhancing the EU promotion policy

Farm Europe and Eat Europe welcome the strong political message sent yesterday by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, as MEPs adopted their report on EU agri-food promotion policy, calling for an ambitious level of funding to be maintained, at least at its 2026 level. We particularly welcome the work carried out by the rapporteur, Salvatore De Meo, in securing this clear political position. 

This position confirms the concerns that Farm Europe and Eat Europe first raised when the Commission announced its intention to reduce the 2027 promotion budget by almost 50%. Such a reduction would be inconsistent with the Commission’s stated ambition to increase the recognition and uptake of European agri-food products.

Farm Europe and Eat Europe underline that promotion policy generates tangible economic value by supporting quality schemes and geographical indications, while strengthening the international competitiveness of European agriculture. It is also a key instrument for ensuring that consumers around the world recognise the added value of European products and the high standards underpinning them.

We also very much welcome the recognition in the report of the importance of ensuring fair and equal treatment for all eligible agricultural sectors and products, including high-quality wines and red meats, which play a vital role in supporting the sector, sustaining rural communities and showcasing Europe’s recognised know-how.

Farm Europe and Eat Europe now call on the European Commission to heed the clear message sent by the European Parliament and ensure that the promotion budget reflects the strategic importance of this policy. If the EU is serious about strengthening its agricultural sector and expanding its presence in global markets, its political ambitions must be backed by stable and adequate financial resources.