State Fund "Agriculture" and the National Association of Dairy Processors have signed a contract for the implementation of the fourth programme "Promotion of dairy products in third countries" (Russia, Brazil) approved by the European Union. This time the National promotional programme to promote dairy products in third countries is oriented towards the markets of Russia and Brazil and its period of implementation is three years. The programme budget is approximately EUR 3 million for the three annual phases of the contract. The programme aims at familiarizing the active target consumer groups with a variety of dairy products, thus increasing consumption of promoted products. They are mainly white brined cheese and yogurt.
Half of the project budget is funded by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF), 30% national co-financing and the rest - 20% - is provided by the beneficiary.
Programmes to promote agricultural and food products may be developed by associations of manufacturers or producers and traders. They could apply at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) and the documents are to be submitted every year by 30 September (first presentation) and 15 April (second presentation). Standing Advisory Committee within MAF will determine which programs to be proposed for approval by the Minister of Agriculture and Food and then - sent for approval by the European Commission.
Contracts are signed with the SFA within 90 days from the date of receiving notification on the decision of the Commission. The Union or the Association are to submit an implementation guarantee in favor of the Fund at the amount of 15% of maximum annual funding of the programme.