Increased consumption of fruit and vegetables and sustainable opportunities for increasing domestic production of fresh produce are key elements of the government’s strategy Food 2030. The Fresh Produce Consortium believes all sectors of the fresh produce industry, including wholesalers, must play a leading role in developing a sustainable food policy for the UK.

We welcome Defra’s commitment to reduce unnecessary burdens on the food industry and to carry out integrated inspections based on risk-based criteria. Defra recognises the cumulative impact of regulation on the economy, the need to influence policymakers in the EU and to have early engagement with the food industry on issues. This strategy must be adopted across government and by others, including the FSA, in relation to its implementation of the EU’s increased import controls of ‘high-risk’ products. In a matter of weeks the FSA will be responsible for the ridiculous imposition of additional costs, unnecessary delays and duplication of pre-notification of products, as well as wastage of highly perishable produce.

About 60% of fruit and veg are imported to the UK, mainly from within the EU. UK growers have a significant opportunity to increase the sustainable production of indigenous crops suited to our climate. The FPC believes that Defra should identify those indigenous crops with greater production potential than is achieved currently and ensure the sector has the necessary tools to maximise this potential.

Government departments can make a far greater impact in combating poor diets and rising obesity levels simply by having a cohesive policy for public sector food procurement that encourages greater consumption of fresh fruit and veg. The industry’s Eat In Colour campaign has made great strides to increase consumers’ enjoyment of fresh produce as part of a healthy diet. While the DH has achieved significant consumer awareness of 5-a-day this has not translated into widespread adoption of a healthy diet and greater consumption of fresh produce, and FPC wants to see a greater focus on key consumer groups in the 5-a-day action plan.

Nigel Jenney, chief executive, Fresh Produce Consortium

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