UN to Declare 2021 to be International Year of Fruits and Vegetables

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution last Thursday, to declare 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. As per the resolution, the UNGA considered the urgent need to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption. It also stressed on advocating healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Moreover, the UNGA called the member states to take effective measures and steps to help to integrate smallholders into global production, value and supply chains for the sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables across the globe.

Combating the Crisis

As per reports, concerning over the high levels of loss and waste in the fruit and vegetable supply/value chains and the negative economic, environmental and social impacts of such loss and waste, the UNGA invited member states and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the capacity-building of developing countries to adopt innovative approaches and technology in combating loss and waste of fruits and vegetables.

As per the resolution, it invites the international community to observe the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables through activities and aimed at raising awareness of and directing policy attention to the nutritional and health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption, the contribution of fruit and vegetable consumption to the promotion of diversified, balanced and healthy diets and lifestyles, reducing loss and waste of fruits and vegetables and sharing best practices in this regard.