DECRARATION 2020- IX AIAM5 GENERAL MEETING
Within the framework of the 9th General Assembly of members of the Global Alliance to Promote Fruits and Vegetables Consumption “5 a day” (“AIAM5”), held virtually on November the 26th 2020, attending representatives from 35 national and international entities as full and colaborative members, from 22 countries, agreed that:
Whereas the aims of AIAM5 are clearly aligned with the objectives of the United Nations for the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV) of raising awareness on the nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption.
Whereas the observance of IYFV actions will be facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), especially by:
- Raising awareness on the nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as advocate for healthy diets through increase in sustainable and safe production and value chain with special attention to smallholder farmers, who secure the livelihoods of millions of rural families around the world.
- Raising awareness to reduce loss and waste in the fruit and vegetable supply chain from production to consumption and strengthen the capacity-building of developing countries to adopt innovative approaches and technology in combating loss and waste of fruits and vegetables.
Whereas the IYFV is also expected to highlight the contributions of fruit and vegetable sectors towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, including:
- SDG 2: “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”.
- SDG 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” and SDG 12: “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”.
- SDG 12 “Sustainable consumption and production patterns” and within this goal, Indicator 12.3 regarding global food loss and waste has been a matter of great interest for AIAM5 and its members
Whereas AIAM5 is willing to collaborate with FAO in the context of the IYFV throughout different actions, among others:
- Act as platforms that facilitate the establishment of synergies at regional and national levels to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Disseminate content about the benefit that the consumption of fruits and vegetables provide to health and food systems in the world.
- Development of awareness and training materials that encourage the consumption and demand of fruits and vegetables.
- Participate in joint activities to raise awareness, exchange knowledge and guidance to interested parties and policy makers who participate in food systems in countries where AIAM5 is represented.
- Support and promote the initiatives of AIAM5 partners, for the development and implementation of specific projects / programs and / or strategies.
- Disseminate the work carried out in relation to the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, as well to production and / or consumption of fruits and vegetables, in all their platforms (social networks, websites, etc.)
Whereas the IYFV will correspond to a very particular period, which unfortunately will not be post COVID-19 and as a consequence the health and economic issue have become of the utmost relevance which have caused to highlight aspects of F&V such as:
- Fruits and vegetables as source of key nutrients.
- Healthy eating and immunity.
- The F&V sector and supply chains response to the pandemic
Whereas fruit and vegetables are part of the recommendations of healthy eating and nutrition guides worldwide, and are specially enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, due their unique nutrient profile
Declare that:
- AIAM5 members support the declaration in the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly of year 2021 as the International Year of Fruit and Vegetables (IYFV).
- Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, F&V play a very relevant role in this regard, as they improved nutrition and health status due to its content in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals, acting as protection factors for NCD and as cornerstone of the immune function
- AIAM5 is committed and willing to work eagerly to help their member to facilitate those countries where they operate to achieve the goals of the IYFV expected to have an impact in reducing hunger and poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, improving livelihoods, and contributing to better natural resource management for a healthier and more sustainable food systems