The Power of Fruit and Vegetables \u2013 boosting health and sustainability<\/p>\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n
I look back at a very inspiring event, taking home some key messages:<\/p>\n\n
\u2714\ufe0f 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<\/p>\n\n
\u2714\ufe0f 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'. <\/p>\n\n
\u2714\ufe0f Policy has significant responsibility as a driver for research and innovation in the fruit and vegetable sector<\/p>\n\n
There are good examples - e.g. Japan - that showcase the impact of policy on food consumption of the younger generation<\/p>\n\n
\u2757 Watch this video: https:\/\/lnkd.in\/ee4qePAs<\/p>\n\n
\u2714\ufe0f 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 <\/p>\n\n
\u2714\ufe0f 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<\/p>\n\n
I also share some of the articles that I find very relevant in this discussion<\/p>\n\n
\u2705 Bahadur et al. 2018. When too much isn\u2019t enough: Does current food production meet global nutritional needs? PLoS ONE 13(10) https:\/\/lnkd.in\/e437Scab <\/p>\n\n
\u2705 Mason-D\u2019Croz 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<\/p>\n\n
\u2705 Economic impact of overweight \u2013 with projections for the future https:\/\/lnkd.in\/eGbNt2nS<\/p>\n\n
Thank you so much for organizing this event: Susanne Meyer Jan Ingelbeen Salvo Laudani Philippe Binard and Jean-Paul Judson for the excellent moderation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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