?Fruit & Vegetables ? healthy and sustainable solutions to Europe?s food challenges?

For the first time, Freshfel, the European Fresh Produce Association and PROFEL, the European Association of Fruit and Vegetable Processors, came together for a joint Annual Event in Brussels. The conference focused on fruit and vegetables and how they are healthy and sustainable solutions for Europe’s food challenges. The Event was designed to gather both sectors together in a joint effort to promote the assets of fruit and vegetables for a healthy and sustainable diet. Their important role in agricultural production, trade, and research and innovation was highlighted throughout the conference. During the morning session, speakers from the European Commission, Imperial College London, and EU-Insight presented the future of fruit and vegetables in changing policy, market and communication environments. Fruit and vegetables play an important role in the adaption and modernisation of the Common Agricultural Policy, in a competitive food market and in the new reality of social media. A panel in the afternoon, consisting of members of the European Parliament and policy makers from the European Commission, discussed growth and the role of fruit and vegetables through a strong political impetus. The afternoon session also focussed on growth via the vegan/vegetarian movement and on the impact of the healthy and sustainable assets of fruit and vegetables. The event concluded with a mutual declaration which included industry commitments to highlight the importance of fruit and vegetables for European consumers.