Aotearoa will be the first country to mark World Fruit & Vegetable Day on October 18th with the international theme this year focussing on how to cultivate a sustainable and healthy future.
5+ A Day Charitable Trust is leading global celebrations of healthy fresh fruit and vegetables and 30 different nations will subsequently celebrate the occasion.
Carmel Ireland, 5+ A Day Project Manager, says the day is a great reminder for all New Zealanders to strive for eating five or more servings of colourful, fresh vegetables and two servings of fruit every day for health and vitality.
“To grow healthy food and support healthy communities, horticultural growers around New Zealand continue to invest in research and are striving to set new standards for sustainable farm practices,” she says.
For example, one of our largest horticulture commercial growing companies, LeaderBrand, has begun using a new electric harvester and self-propelled cargo platforms in its new mega greenhouse in Gisborne. The machines have been specifically designed to suit LeaderBrand’s indoor growing environment and cropping system, and are the first of their kind in New Zealand.
LeaderBrand’s general manager of farming, Gordon McPhail, says it’s all part of the company’s plan to find new ways to farm for a healthier future and try to help reduce carbon emissions.
“We’re always looking for different ways we can be more climate friendly, and this is another step in the right direction. We aspire to leave the land better than we found it for the next generation, which is why we’re constantly evolving and finding new ways to grow, harvest, and replenish the land. From waste reduction to regenerative farming, we always consider what’s best for the environment.”
World Fruit & Vegetable Day is celebrated annually by nations who are members of AIAM5 – a global alliance which promotes consumption of fruit and vegetables to improve global health and food security, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable food systems.
At present, each member nation marks World Fruit & Vegetable Day. But moves are now underway (led by the Chilean Government) to formalise an International Day of Fruits and Vegetables to be celebrated worldwide on 4th March.
Ireland says an International Day of Fruits and Vegetables will help raise awareness among governments, the general public, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations about the need to adopt public policies and concrete actions in this area.
“By establishing a day dedicated to this topic, a platform is created to raise awareness among the population and decision-makers about the importance of incorporating more fruit and vegetables into daily diets. This will positively impact public health and the strengthen the fight against non-communicable diseases,” she says.
