EU auditors find fruit producer groups lost 39% of members

A European Court of Auditors report found that fruit and vegetable producer organisations lost 39% of their farmer members between 2012 and 2023, despite receiving around one billion euros yearly in EU support. Auditors blame uneven national support, complex EU rules and insufficient European Commission action for the sector's weak growth and shrinking market share against major retailers. Support in 2023 funded equipment modernisation, automation, quality certification and packaging improvements. The report highlights vast disparities between member states, with producer organisations handling between 0.8% of output in Slovenia and 86% in Denmark, reflecting differing national policies rather than only historical factors.