At the UN Water Conference, the Dutch fresh produce importer-distributor stressed the importance of collective and decisive action to ensure responsible water management
On the occasion of the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York, Dutch fruit and vegetables group Nature’s Pride stated its commitment to being a driver in responsible water management in the fresh produce sector.
Co-hosted by Tajikistan and the Netherlands, last month’s conference saw the adoption of the Water Action Agenda, with 700 commitments to tackle the global water crisis and promote sustainable water use globally.
Nature’s Pride CEO Adriëlle Dankier attended the conference, commenting: “For us, water is not just a sustainability topic, but also an integrated part of our organisation. We apply responsible water management as purchasing criteria, work together with the Dutch government and local authorities and set up WASH [water, sanitation and hygiene] projects. This makes us a driver of responsible water management in our sector. It was therefore very valuable for us to make our voice heard at the conference and to draw attention to responsible water management in the fruit and vegetable sector.
“Key figures in the field of water from all over the world came together at the UN, so we were able to speak to people you don’t normally sit down with. This has contributed to strengthened relationships and new contacts, creating further awareness and commitment to take collective action.”
The company teamed up with Wageningen University & Research and other partners to put the role of water in food systems higher on the agenda than in previous years.
Speaking during the panel discussion at the conference, Coen van Iwaarden, senior sustainable business advisor at Nature’s Pride, commented: “We have highlighted the role of water in international trade. About how Europe is linked to water stress in the producing countries and that we need to work together throughout the chain to better manage water. The urgency of the water situation is clear. After the dialogue at the conference with a specific Water Action Agenda as a result, it’s now up to the public and private sectors to take more decisive action together. We will actively follow up and commit ourselves to continue to make a difference in our chain, in order to contribute to a healthier and more resilient food system.”
