The European Commission’s proposal to implement rules to establish a European School Fruit Scheme has been endorsed by the member states in the Management Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets.

This opens the door for the launch of the scheme in several member states in September.

Freshfel Europe, the European association for the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, has congratulated the commission on its efforts to gauge the position of the various member states, and welcomes this initiative as one of the tools to address the alarming rise of obesity across Europe.

Laurence Swan, chairman of the Freshfel Promotion, Communication and Image Working group, said: “The 2008 Freshfel Consumption Monitor confirmed that, unfortunately, the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables across Europe continues to decrease. Such a trend is a worrying element not only for the fresh produce sector but also from a health perspective for the European population.”

The ability of member states to organise the distribution of the right products at the right time will be crucial in implementing the scheme, said Freshfel. Ramon Rey, president of Freshfel, said: “The provision of the regulation excluding fruit and vegetable products with added sugar, salt or fat from the programme is crucial in the fight against obesity. It gives a clear priority to fresh fruit and vegetables under the supervision of national health authorities.

“We also consider as an important achievement that the consumption of the fresh fruit and vegetables will… be done at a dedicated moment and at a different time from the main meal. This should maximise the benefit and experience for the children and ensure that the programme leads to additional intake of fresh produce in children’s’ diets.”

These developments are in line with the European Parliament’s Niels Busk MEP Report, adopted by plenary on November 18, 2008. This report specifically highlighted the need to set a priority for fresh fruit and vegetables in the distribution programme to schools.