The Italian region of Lazio has installed vending machines into its regional institutions, not selling the usual array of fizzy drinks and chocolate bars, but rather organic fruit.

The apples, bananas, pears and oranges in the machines cost up to €1 (£0.76) a piece.

The move comes as part of the regional authority’s bid to focus attention on healthy diets, according to regional agricultural councillor Daniela Valentini.

So far, six machines have been installed in high schools and technical institutes, with a potential audience of 10,000. More machines are expected to be installed in schools, hospitals and other public entities. Access will be provided to a further 30,000 users in Rome, when machines are set up in post offices, regional government offices and hospitals.

The region of Lazio has more than 270,000 organic producers, the fifth-largest in Italy. Some 70,000 hectares of land are farmed organically. The region has the highest consumption level of organic goods in Italy.

• Separately, annual international organic trade fair BioFach is once again poised to take place in Nuremberg, on February 21-24. More details are available at www.biofach.de/en/

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