European trade calls for consumption strategy

The European fresh produce trade is calling on EU institutions to build a European strategy to reduce inequality in fruit and vegetable consumption across the union.

Trade organisations Freshfel Europe, Aprifel and AREFLH, as well as the European Public Health & Agriculture Consortium, joined forces under the auspices of the EGEA conference in Brussels last week to meet with MEPs and representatives and officials from the European Commission and member states.

Ramon Rey, president of Freshfel Europe, said: “The EU should act as a catalyst for improved communication to European citizens on the benefits of eating more fruit and vegetables. Daily messages aimed at increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption could be used, such as information on school fruit schemes in member states, best practices across Europe and information on the 5 A DAY campaign... Actions should target children and low socio-economic status groups.”