In order to support the agri-food sector in recovering from the COVID-19 crisis, the Commission has launched two calls for AGRI-SIMPLE-2020-CRISIS agricultural product promotion programs.

These calls complement the exceptional market-specific support measures recently adopted by the European Commission.

These calls target the sectors most affected by the crisis. Fruits and vegetables, wine, plants, potatoes, milk and dairy sectors are eligible to support the promotion in the amount of 10 mil. EUR (EUR 5 million for multi-programs and EUR 5 million for simple programs).
Promotional programs will have to be implemented in the EU or any third country for a period of one year.

This is the first time that the Commission has issued such calls due to serious market distortions, as promotional actions are seen as an appropriate response to the situation caused by the pandemic.
The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on specific agri-food sectors and market disruptions, mainly due to rapid changes in demand and the closure of restaurants, bars and cafes across the EU.
The general objective and purpose of the program is to improve the competitiveness of the Union's agricultural sector.
Specific objectives of information and promotion measures:

• raise awareness of the benefits of Union agricultural products and the high standards of production in the Union
• increase the competitiveness and consumption of Union agricultural products and certain food products and profile them inside and outside the Union
• increase awareness and visibility of the Union's quality scheme
• increase the market share of Union agricultural products and certain food products (especially in third country markets with the highest growth potential)
• ensure normal market conditions in the event of serious market disturbances.

Both calls will be open until August 27, 2020. One call is dedicated to "simple" programs that can be applied for by one or more organizations from the same EU country, and the other is a "multi" program that can be submitted
at least two national organizations from at least two Member States or one or more European organizations.
The EU grant is limited to a maximum co-financing rate of 85% of eligible costs, and the remaining expenditure is borne exclusively by the proposing organizations.

More information can be found at the links:

Call for proposals for simple programmes

Call for proposals for multi programmes