Support for simple programmes - Union quality schemes (Topic 1)

The objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality schemes, namely:

(a) quality schemes: protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI), traditional specialty guaranteed (TSG) and optional quality terms;

(b) the logo for quality agricultural products specific to the outermost regions of the Union.

Information and promotion programmes on Union quality schemes should be a key priority in the internal market since such schemes provide consumers with assurances on the quality and characteristics of the product or the production process used, achieve added value for the products concerned and enhance their market opportunities.

One of the expected results is to increase the levels of recognition of the logo associated with the Union quality schemes by the European consumers and increased knowledge of the information the quality schemes aim to provide. According to special Eurobarometer (No 504), only 14% of Europeans consumers recognize the logos of products that benefit from a protected designation of origin (PDO), 20% recognise a protected geographical indication (PGI), and 14% recognise a traditional specialty guaranteed, these being the main Union quality schemes.

The expected ultimate impact is to increase awareness of the Union quality scheme and to enhance the competitiveness and consumption of products registered under a Union quality scheme, raise their profile and increase their market share.