UN General Assembly establishes Fruit and Vegetables international year. FAO welcomes this global recognition.
19 December 2019, New York/Rome – The UN General Assembly adopted resolutions designating 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables following request made by the FAO Conference. FAO welcomes today’s decision by the United Nations to create two new international days and one international year devoted to issues directly related to food and agriculture.
Chile has been a champion of devoting a year to promote fruit and vegetables, which have well-known nutritional qualities and also contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This actions has been supported by AIAM5 members which asked letters of supports to their National Ministers of Agriculture.
Now it is the time to achieve that fruits and vegetables are at the top of the agendas of our governments. The MoU that will soon be signed by FAO and AIAM5 will provide the framework to facilitate the actions.
“Without healthy diets, we cannot hope to end malnutrition – and we will not eradicate hunger unless we curb food losses. By highlighting the value of fruits and vegetables, and the damage caused by loss and waste, the UN has taken a decisive step to promote fairer, greener, more efficient food systems,” said FAO Deputy Director-General for Climate and Natural Resources Maria Helena Semedo. “Honouring tea is a fitting tribute to the legions of smallholder farmers who help produce what is the world’s favourite drink, after water itself.”
FAO and the World Health Organization recommend that each adult consumes at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis to prevent chronic NCDs, including heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and obesity, as well as to counter micronutrient deficiencies.
Advocacy for fresh produce also fits well 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 fruit and vegetables.
The UN General Assembly adopted 2 more resolutions: 21 May as International Tea Day and 29 September as International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste,
Link to the FAO site – Link To the UN summary of the session
Next meeting point will be in Madrid 21-23 October at the XV International Congress of AIAM5 for the promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption. We count with all of you!