The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce today released a report analysing the current global trading environment for fresh fruits and vegetables. The report argues that fruits and vegetables are a critical element of the shift towards healthy and sustainable diets, as well as an engine of economic growth and job creation the world over. However, a number of challenges are currently threatening the long-term economic viability of the fresh produce sector worldwide, and thereby economic stability, food security and health. These challenges include substantial increases in costs, inefficiencies and delays in transportation, labour shortages, dwindling consumer purchasing power and obstacles to international trade, among other factors.
Rebecca Lee, Executive Director of the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada, and the FVGC’s representative on the Coalition said, “Canadian growers have shown great resilience these past few years. They have faced substantial problems in the supply chain and rising input costs as a result. This report is an important step in addressing these issues at an international level so that we can support growers at a local level.”
You can read the press release from the Global Coalition of Fresh Produce here. You can read the report, Global Value Chains For Fresh Produce: An Urgent Call For Policy Measures, here.
Source : FVCG.ca