Freshfel Europe is calling for extra funds to promote fruit and vegetables within the European market.

In a letter sent to agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel, Freshfel, the European fresh produce trade association, urged her to increase the promotional budget available to the industry.

The request was made after the Commission decided to lower the annual budget from €6 million to €4m.

The organisation said the move was in contradiction of the Dutch presidency of the EU, which has recognised “the positive aspects of consumption of fruit and vegetables”.

The letter to the commissioner also points out the statement made by health and consumer protection commissioner Markus Kyprianou that fighting obesity would be one of his priorities during his five-year term.

A spokesman for Freshfel said: “Since an inadequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables has been identified as one of the main causes of obesity, both within Europe and worldwide, the utmost should be done to increase consumption.

“We’re urging the European Commission to co-ordinate actions within its services.”