European commissioner for agriculture and rural development Mariann Fischer Boel last week pledged her support to wholesale markets.
This is the latest win by the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) in its quest to push the trade to the top of the national and international food agenda.
Fischer Boel was set to open the WUWM congress in Copenhagen last week, but was unable to attend at the last minute and instead sent a personal video message.
She singled out the “huge importance” of wholesale markets in the supply and distribution of fresh produce and claimed that wholesale markets could have a “crucial role” in many of the European initiatives on the table, aimed at improving consumption and public health.
She said: “During my time as European agriculture commissioner, the future of the markets has been a major interest to me.”
WUWM chairman Graham Wallace is keen to establish an ongoing dialogue with Fischer Boel. He has already sent the European commissioner a letter explaining the economic benefits of the member wholesale markets, their support of small and medium-sized businesses and the importance of the access to high-quality fresh produce.
Wallace said: “She has shown an understanding of the work of WUWM and will make the most of her offer of further contact…
“We are putting markets back on the national and international food agenda, by working with the government and non-governmental organisations, which is important in these days of rising food prices and shortages.”
