Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption for our health and for the planet

international cooperation fruits and vegetables health environment - Aprifel

Low fruit and vegetable consumption is a major health risk factor, believed by the WHO to have caused 3.9 million deaths in 2017. This underconsumption is a reflection of not only our eating habits but also the food supply chain in general.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), current food systems do not give everyone access to a healthy, affordable and safe diet. Moreover, these food systems are responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions (20–35%), and are a major cause of land conversion, deforestation and biodiversity loss. Beyond having health benefits, numerous studies have shown that fruits and vegetables have a low environmental impact, and a much lower ecological, carbon and water footprint than other food groups. By changing our food systems, and in particular increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, we can not only improve public health but also address sustainability issues. This challenge transcends the national context and implies cooperation with other countries.

 

European awareness programmes

Aprifel is involved in several awareness-raising programmes co-financed by the European Union focusing on the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables:

  • The Fruit and Veg 4 Health programme carried out between 2018 and 2020 targeted doctors and their patients.
  • The Follow me to be Healthy with Europe programme is aimed at young people aged 18 to 30.

 

Global Alliance to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Since its creation in 2004, Aprifel has also been a member of the Global Alliance to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Consumption (AIAM5). This initiative, supported by the WHO and the FAO, seeks to encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables on a global scale. Since June 2015, the AIAM5 “5 a Day” campaign has involved 30 countries.

AIAM5 pursues a range of initiatives:

  • Supporting national initiatives
  • Facilitating collaboration on common goals
  • Exchanging good practices
  • Sharing communication tools
  • Organising international conferences
  • Communicating the latest scientific advances on fruits and vegetables, in particular through its GFVN newsletter
  • Assuming global leadership

 

Member countries

Associate members