Freshfel Europe defends the competitiveness of the fresh produce sector on the European agenda

On September 30, a delegation from Freshfel Europe, led by its President Salvo Laudani and its General Delegate Philippe Binard, held a meeting in Prague with Jiří Šír, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Council of the EU and representative of the Czech Republic currently occupying the Presidency of said Council.

In this regard, Philippe Binard, General Delegate of Freshfel Europe, commented: "We are pleased to have been able to raise many important issues for the sector during the meeting. The competitiveness of the sector is today at stake due to a combination of factors".

He added: “We had a constructive and solution-oriented discussion on many aspects of the fresh produce business that affect its competitiveness and covering issues of great importance to the sector. Among them, the impact of the increase in costs (energy, production inputs), the consequences of the shortage of workers (temporary workers, truck drivers), the effect of climate change on production, the disturbing elements related to the revision of the regulation of sustainable use and endangered accessibility of plant protection products in the framework of the reduction objective of the Strategy “From farm to fork. We also highlight the need for a good balance between GIP and organic production according to market expectations”, Binard pointed out.

Furthermore, in the current times of geopolitical turmoil and instability, Freshfel Europe experts also had the opportunity to address issues related to market access and global logistics challenges.

The debate came at an opportune time, when many issues relevant to fresh produce are on the table of the EU Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

The Freshfel Europe Council, which met in mid-September, agreed on the urgency of raising the voice and reputation of the sector, and continuing to improve the image of fruit and vegetables.

“Freshfel has to lead the actions that can reinforce the reputation of the sector and build a stronger position for fresh products in the diet priorities of European citizens. Consumption trends remain well below the WHO minimum recommendation of 400 grams. We expect further pressure to come, as has already been seen in recent consumer behaviour, deeply affected by inflation and skyrocketing energy bills.” This new decrease in consumption occurs despite the fact that fresh products have a lot to contribute in terms of benefits for the health of consumers, while at the same time being the category of food with the least environmental impact for the planet”, Salvo Laudani pointed out.

During the meeting with the Czech Presidency of the EU, Freshfel Europe also recalled that the fresh produce sector is part of the solution to many of the EU's ambitions under the European Green Deal, the Farm-to-Farm Strategy. the table”, the EU Plan against cancer and the FIT 55 Package.

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