European fresh produce association Freshfel has outlined its priorities for the coming months at its 2009 annual general meeting, which took place on 28 April in Valencia, Spain.
The meeting, which took place alongside the FRESH2009 congress, included a review of the association's recent achievements and highlighted key future issues such as increasing fresh produce consumption and questions surrounding a possible flu pandemic.
Priorities for the group include continued work on the implementation of the School Fruit Scheme, efforts to set up a pan-European communication strategy to build up the image of fresh produce, and aiding a consistent EU quality and safety policy for fruit and vegetables.
Freshfel has also pledged to help the sector update its needs in terms of traceability and labelling requirements, emphasise the role of research and innovation, and secure a 'favourable and workable' timeframe for exports to countries such as Russia, China and the US.
'I am pleased to note the leadership role of the Association in defending the interest of the sector at large and the various achievements reached in the last 12 months,' said Freshfel president Ramon Rey. 'Despite the various achievements, the association cannot rest on its laurels as many challenges remain ahead, in particular the stagnating consumption level of fresh fruit and vegetables.
'In times of economic crisis, fresh fruit and vegetables remain affordable compared with other food items and also represent a healthy option for consumers,' he added.
