Producer organisations in the EU fruit and vegetable sector

The contribution of producer organisations (POs) in the fruit and vegetable sector (F&V) is highlighted in various pieces of EU legislation. The 2007 reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) brought a new range of tools aimed at strengthening their role in the F&V sector. For the first time, POs could receive EU support in the form of a contribution to finance their operational programmes. EU financial assistance to POs is limited to 50% of the total operational fund, but in specific cases it may be increased at 60%. Member States had to establish national strategies for sustainable operational programmes, in which the role of POs is further underlined. The EP is due to adopt a report in plenary, which aims to encourage the Commission to present a legislative proposal aimed at the revision of the aid scheme for the F&V sector.