The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has reacted to statistics revealed last week by trade association Freshfel Europe showing plunging vegetable consumption.
Data from Freshfel showed vegetable consumption by UK consumers in 2008 fell year on year by 11 per cent, while Britons ate just one per cent more fruit compared with the previous five-year average.
The NFU has responded by sending out a message to remind consumers to “Get your 5 A DAY the British way and help improve your health and the nation’s economy”.
NFU horticulture board chairman Sarah Pettitt said: “Obviously this is disappointing news, particularly because of the efforts that have gone into promoting the importance of fruit and vegetables in our diet over the past decade.”
The answer to this lies in innovation, says Pettitt. “We must continue to innovate, in particular, showing consumers the different ways in which they can get their daily amount - on their cereal in the morning, snacking on the bus, tube or train on their way to work, or simply in a bowl on their desk ready to be eaten throughout the day.”
She stressed that eating more fruits and vegetables is good for people’s health as well as the agricultural economy’s health.
Pettitt said: “Consumers should know though that not only will they be doing something for their health if they eat fruit and vegetables regularly, but if they get their 5 A DAY the British way they will also be doing something to support our growers.”
