The Power of Fruit and Vegetables – boosting health and sustainability
What is the role of fruits and vegetables in promoting health and sustainability? That was the central question at the conference organized by Freshfel Europe & PROFEL (European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors). We discussed different aspects of sustainability, including health, production challenges in times of climate change and competitiveness.
I look back at a very inspiring event, taking home some key messages:
✔️ There is extensive scientific evidence on the cost of inaction, i.e. Europe can save billions on health care by investing in an increased fruit and vegetable consumption
✔️ The sector is willing to make the necessary investment in nature-based solutions – but targets need to be realistic. To quote a grower ‘you can’t invest in green agriculture with red numbers’.
✔️ Policy has significant responsibility as a driver for research and innovation in the fruit and vegetable sector
There are good examples – e.g. Japan – that showcase the impact of policy on food consumption of the younger generation
❗ Watch this video: https://lnkd.in/ee4qePAs
✔️ The ban of certain Plant Protection Products puts an enormous pressure on growers. There is need for an in-depth discussion on substitutes, impact of measures and policy coherence across member states
✔️ There is an urgent need to put priorities in food and agriculture policy – overall, one can observe that the voice of the fruit and vegetable sector is insufficiently reflected in policy documents and the potential benefits of actively promoting the consumption of fruit and vegetables is undervalued
I also share some of the articles that I find very relevant in this discussion
✅ Bahadur et al. 2018. When too much isn’t enough: Does current food production meet global nutritional needs? PLoS ONE 13(10) https://lnkd.in/e437Scab
✅ Mason-D’Croz et al 2019. Gaps between fruit and vegetable production, demand, and recommended consumption at global and national levels: an integrated modelling study. The Lancet Planetary Health.https://https://lnkd.in/eigZQf-B
✅ Economic impact of overweight – with projections for the future https://lnkd.in/eGbNt2nS
Thank you so much for organizing this event: Susanne Meyer Jan Ingelbeen Salvo Laudani Philippe Binard and Jean-Paul Judson for the excellent moderation