About the EU and European food and drinks
European food and drinks are rooted in authenticity, quality, safety, sustainability, and variety, plus flavor. An extensive body of EU-wide law covers the entire food production and processing chain from Farm to Fork. On this page you'll find information describing:
- What is the EU?
- Agriculture in the EU
- EU Food Actors, including DG AGRI and EFSA
- How do I know if a product is PDO, PGI or EU-certified Organic?
- eAmbrosia, the EU geographical indications register
- The EU and the US
What is the European Union (EU)?
The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 countries in Europe, with a population of over 448 million. In every EU country people speak their own language, there are 24 official languages.
The EU boasts the world's largest single market based on the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. It offers transparent regulations and a secure legal investment framework. Shared standards ensure uniformity in food and product safety. The EU's integration into global markets, along with extensive transport and communication links, facilitates easy exportation for companies of all sizes. As a result, high-quality European food and drink products are accessible worldwide, including in the United States.
Agriculture in the European Union
Agriculture is a vital element of the European economy and is an area where EU Member State governments have agreed to share responsibility to ensure sustainable production and a stable food supply at affordable prices for consumers. The European agricultural sector employs approximately 22 million farmers and farm workers in Europe, with around 44 million jobs created in associated industries such as food processing, retail and services. The uniform standards ensure that consumers have access to high-quality products and are able to make informed choices.
EU Food actors
The EU ensures safe food from farm to fork. An extensive body of EU-wide law covers the entire food production and processing chain within the EU, as well as imported and exported goods.
European Commission (Food, Farming, Fisheries) How the European Commission ensures the safety and quality of agricultural and food products, supports producers and communities, and promotes sustainable practices.
Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development "DG AGRI" This Commission department is responsible for EU policy on agriculture and rural development and deals with all aspects of the common agricultural policy (CAP).
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is an impartial source of scientific advice to risk managers and to communicate on risks associated with the food chain.
How do I know if a product is PDO, PGI or EU-certified Organic?
Product names can be granted a 'geographical indication' (GI) if they have a specific link to the place where they are made. The GI recognition enables consumers to trust and distinguish quality products while also helping producers to market their products better.
Geographical indications (GIs) include PDO – protected designation of origin, PGI – protected geographical indication, and we also cover the EU Organic label. Read more about GIs and Quality Labels on our campaign website.
The EU geographical indications register
Search for Geographical Indications (GIs) from across the European Union and beyond with eAmbrosia.
eAmbrosia is a legal register of the names of agricultural products and foodstuffs, wine, and spirit drinks that are registered and protected across the EU.
It provides a direct access to information on all registered geographical indications, including the legal instruments of protection and product specifications. It also displays key dates and links for applications and publications before the geographical indications are registered. Search and find information on eAmbrosia.
The EU and the US
Rooted in shared values for over 60 years, the partnership between the European Union and the United States helps to champion democracy, free trade, and global progress.
The EU and the U.S. also have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship and enjoy an integrated economic relationship.
Read more about the transatlantic relationship at the EU Delegation to the United States.
Learn more about the EU through this campaign, by joining one of our many events, where you can experience European food and drinks.