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In 2004 the 4th International Fruit and Vegetable Symposium was held in
Auckland, New Zealand. This Symposium was the catalyst for a move to
implement even greater international sharing of information on the health
benefits that fruit and vegetable promotion campaigns can provide. Delegates
pushed for the establishment of a federation where the sharing of information
and resources would provide support for national and regional programs. The
International Fruit and Vegetable Alliance (IFAVA) was born!
IFAVA’s mandate is quite simply to support efforts to increase intake of fruit
and vegetables. It does this by providing members with up-to-date
information and support resources, including: research literature surveillance
and science reviews; media relations and other communications tools; forums
for transferring success stories and sharing resources.
These tools help alliance members to operate and communicate more
efficiently and effectively.
This tool kit has been developed to meet the need for a comprehensive
“framework” document to support the development and expansion of national
fruit and vegetable programs. It provides the necessary basic tools to assist
in this process.
On a global level there are a variety of different programs and interventions
promoting the consumption of fruit and vegetables in order to reduce or
alleviate the burden of chronic disease. These national and regionally based
programs are structured and delivered by four core models: - Public,
- Private,
- Non Government Organizations (NGO), and
- Public / NGO or Private Partnerships.
While the organization or organizations delivering the program may vary by
country or region, the vehicles and tactics to successfully change behaviour
and increase consumption remain consistent.
IFAVA is actively seeking both active and observer members from countries
interested in raising the consumption of fruit and vegetables. The wider
sharing of information on successful strategies across a range of settings will
help to further build this document and contribute to the way in which all
programs are refined over time. |
