Hilary Benn’s flagship Fruit and Vegetable Task Force has taken further steps forward in achieving its goal of increasing production and consumption in the UK.
Members met at DEFRA headquarters in Smith Square, London last week to discuss the UK produce sector. The task force is split into three sub-groups with a focus on production, the supply chain and consumption.
One member told FPJ there was a “real drive” to tackle the industry’s issues head on and it is thought that the consumption group will look to other successful government health campaigns, such as its work against smoking, for guidance on how to build on the 5 A DAY message.
The only dark cloud on the task force’s horizon may prove the imminent general election, which could see DEFRA secretary Benn, who is said to be “extremely interested” in its progress, ousted from office, affecting progress. But members said there would be at least three meetings before the likely election date in May.
Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) who is in the supply chain sub-group, told freshinfo: “The task force has been quick to recognise the key role of the fresh produce sector to achieve its aims of increasing UK production of indigenous fresh produce and encouraging greater consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.
“Our sub-group has identified further the importance of the wholesale markets and the foodservice sector as a key area, which we want to bring to DEFRA’s attention.
“To do this, both the FPC and the National Association of British Market Authorities are working together to carry out a survey of our members to gather robust data on the volumes and values of fruit and vegetable sales in wholesale markets and the foodservice sector. We welcome input from wholesalers, markets and foodservice companies who can complete the survey, available at www.freshproduce.org.uk, which will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
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