European fresh produce association Freshfel Europe has called the early stages of the European School Fruit Scheme 'outstanding', with 24 of the European Union's 27 member states signing up to participate in the first year of the programme.
The move will help to counter the increase in childhood obesity which is already reaching 'epidemic levels', according to Freshfel, making fresh fruit and vegetables available to the youngest schoolchildren.
'Freshfel is now expectant to see that the national strategies by those 24 member states that have decided to go forward with the programme will have taken into account the strong public health connotation of the programme, aiming at modifying eating habits among the youngest,' said Freshfel general delegate Philippe Binard.
All national strategies should be published on the European Commission's website in the coming days, outlining exactly how member states are proposing they go about implementing the programme.
'We are hoping to see further interest at the national level to coordinate efforts between the national authorities and the sector in order to facilitate the putting in place of the logistics necessary for distribution of the produce,' said Freshfel promotion chairman Laurence Swan. 'Indeed, the sector in all member states is decidedly interested in contributing to the scheme and hopes to have the opportunity to do so.'
Finland, Latvia and Sweden were the only member nations to opt out of the scheme, although they may join in the future.
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