Trade organisations representing UK agricultural sectors have a fresh chance to apply to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) for EU funding towards promotion and information programmes for agricultural products.

Producers of one or more of the products listed on the RPA website can apply for up to half the cost of marketing their goods abroad in a scheme designed to raise awareness and increase sales of EU food products.

The maximum rises to 60 percent for, among other things, the promotion of fruit and vegetables intended specifically for children in EU schools.

The application process for the two schemes, one for internal markets (EU countries) and another external markets (rest of the world), is combined. Applicants may apply under either or both schemes but cannot submit a combined application covering both schemes.

Preparation of an application may start at any time of the year provided that the deadlines are respected. It is also essential to take into account any regulatory and other changes which may be introduced. The next deadline is 30 September 2014.

Applicants are expected to fund at least a 20 percent of the total cost of the programme and can choose either to pay the remaining balance themselves or to finance it by industry levy. The EU part-finances information and promotion campaigns about its farm products, manufactured foodstuffs and production methods.

The full link for the Internal Market Information & Promotions Forms is https://www.gov.uk/promotion-schemes-for-agricultural-products. Applicants must use the European Commission’s standard application form, which can be obtained from the Promotion schemes for agricultural products on GOV.UK. They should be sent to Rural Payments Agency, Promotions Schemes, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 7YH.

Full details are available from Steve Wood on 0191 226 5338 or Michelle Lowrey on 0191 226 5399, at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), or email: promotions@rpa.gsi.gov.uk.