The UN General Assembly designated 2021 the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV).

FAO is the lead agency for celebrating the year in collaboration with other relevant organizations and bodies of the United Nations system.

The IYFV 2021 is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the important role of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health and as well in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Key Objectives of the IYFV 2021:

• Raising awareness of and directing policy attention to the nutrition and health benefits of fruits and vegetables consumption.
• Promoting diversified, balanced, and healthy diets and lifestyles through fruits and vegetables consumption.
• Reducing losses and waste in fruits and vegetables food systems.
• Sharing best practices on promotion, sustainability, integration of smallholders and stemming waste of fresh produce.

We discuss IYFV 2021 with Marcela Villarreal, Ph.D. Director for Partnerships and United Nations Collaboration Division and how it will be of significant benefit for all fresh sectors businesses to be aligned to the initiative to further promote fresh produce consumption.