Fruits and vegetables are the basis of a healthy diet, each adult should consume at least 400 grams of them on a daily basis to prevent chronic diseases.

The Year 2021 is the UN’s International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV). It is dedicated to raising awareness about the important role of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health.

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals and beneficial phytochemicals. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that each adult consumes at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis to prevent chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, as well as to counter micronutrient deficiencies.

With the COVID-19 pandemic the need to transform and rebalance the way our food is produced and consumed has only been further stressed.

Food loss and waste remain a problem

The FAO Director-General QU Dongyu noted that food loss and waste in the fruits and vegetables sector remain a problem with considerable consequences, and that “innovative technologies and approaches are of critical importance”, as “they can help maintaining safety and quality, increasing the shelf-life of fresh produce items and preserving their high nutritional value”.

Food loss and waste reduction improves food security and nutrition, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers pressure on water and land resources and can increase productivity and economic growth.

Up to 50 per cent of fruits and vegetables produced in developing countries are lost in the supply chain between harvest and consumption.

Strengthening the role of smallholder farmers

Advocacy for fresh produce is consistent with the aim of strengthening the role of smallholder and family farmers, and fosters broader market options for millions of rural families. Gender equity opportunities are also noteworthy, as women often play leading roles for their households in both the production and consumption of fruits and vegetables. See More..https://www.rural21.com/english/news/detail/article/international-year-of-fruits-and-vegetables-2021.html?no_cache=1