The European Commission plans to simplify the EU funded programs which provide milk and fruits to children in schools.

The EC plans to join the two separate programs, the School Fruit Scheme and the School Milk Scheme, into one, making it easier for national authorities, schools and suppliers to manage it, and bringing more efficiency, according to the EC.

"With the changes proposed today, we want to build on the existing schemes, to reverse the downward trend in consumption and raise awareness among children of the potential benefits of these products," said Romanian Dacian Cioloş (in picture), the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.

"This is an important measure for bringing about sustained changes in children's eating habits and improving awareness of important challenges that society faces.

"I also hope that is will be a great opportunity to strengthen links between the farming community and children, their parents and teachers, especially in urban areas."

But member states will not be obliged to comply and take part in the program. Romania already does, but only absorbed 14.3 percent of the EUR 9.7 million in EU money to distribute apples in schools in the school year 2012/2013, according to EC data, quoted by Hotnews.ro.

The country ranks fourth in the EU on using money to give school children dairy products every day, with EUR 8.3 million absorbed in the school year 2011-2012.

Once approved, the new program would have a budget of EUR 230 million per school year, out of which EUR 150 million for fruits and vegetables, and the rest for dairy. For 2014, the budget is of EUR 197 million.

The full legislative proposal can be found here.

editor@romania-insider.com