Operational funds

1.   Any producer organisation in the fruit and vegetables sector or association of such producer organisations may set up an operational fund. The fund shall be financed by:
(a)
financial contributions from:
(i)
members of the producer organisation or the producer organisation itself or both; or
(ii)
the association of producer organisations through the members of that association;
(b)
Union financial assistance, which may be granted to producer organisations or to their associations where those organisations or associations submit an operational programme.
2.   Operational funds shall be used only to finance operational programmes that have been approved by the Member States.