Freshfel Europe has submitted a written statement to the European Commission (EC) supporting the setting up of a pan-European framework for distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables in schools.

The statement follows a consultative meeting organised by the EC to discuss the specifics of such a programme, following last June’s request from the Agriculture Council of Ministers for the EC to elaborate proposals for such a scheme.

Freshfel Europe’s statement highlights key facts regarding the obesity epidemic in Europe, stresses the impact of stagnant fruit and vegetable consumption among the youngest and identifies the strengths, weaknesses and necessary conditions for the successful implementation of a pan-European scheme, as well as the added value that such a scheme would have in Europe.

General delegate of Freshfel Europe Philippe Binard said: “Many programmes are already taking place in individual member states, but most of them are limited in their scale and struggle for financing. Reinforcing these initiatives with a European programme would not only guarantee a long-term action, but would also provide greater coherence and co-ordination of actions.”

Laurence Swan, president of the Freshfel working group on promotion, said: “The debate on obesity is a European debate, as the epidemic is threatening all EU member states. The industry itself is unlikely to find resources to implement such a large-scale operation, which also mainly relies on public health and education. The EU should set the basis of the programme and be a catalyst for best practice among member states.”

An EU action could help reverse obesity trends among the youngest. It could also have huge financial benefits, as the social and health costs relating to obesity across Europe amount to €150 billion (£104bn). A starting EU budget of €100 million would therefore be a step in the right direction to rectify obesity trends. An EU action in schools will also raise the profile of Europe among the youngest and their parents.

Henri Lambriex, vice-president of the Freshfel wholesale and distribution division, concluded: “Freshfel will co-operate in the coming months with the EC on the elaboration of a fruit and vegetable school scheme to reinforce existing experiences such as the large-scale fruit scheme already operating successfully in the UK.”

Topics