The common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables has been established under Regulation (EC) No. 2200/96. This Regulation lays down detailed rules for the application of that Regulation as regards the conditions for recognizing producer organizations and the conditions for preliminary recognition of producer groups.
Chapter II of this Regulation is devoted to producer organizations. The provisions laid down therein determine the conditions under which such organizations may be recognized (minimum size, minimum length of membership, structures and activities). In accordance with article 9, Member States shall determine the procedures and criteria applicable to the recognition of associations of producer organizations. Articles 10 and 11 regard transnational producer organizations and transnational association of producer organizations respectively. Chapter III deals with producer groups. New producer groups requesting preliminary recognition in accordance with article 14 Regulation (EC) No. 2200/96 shall submit a recognition plan for acceptance by the competent authority of the Member State in which the producer group in question has its head office. Article 17 regards the approval of recognition plans. Chapter IV makes provision on checks and lays down penalties.